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Ulcerative Colitis Causes
What Causes Ulcerative Colitis?
We do not know the exact cause of ulcerative colitis. However, research suggests that abnormal immune system responses play a role. Inflammation is your body's natural response to injury, irritation and infection. Normally, inflammation is a temporary reaction. If you have ulcerative colitis, your immune system doesn't know when to turn the inflammation off.
Other Causes of Ulcerative Colitis
Other possible causes include:
- Bacteria that produce toxins and irritate the lining of your colon
- Food sensitivity, which can cause symptoms when you eat trigger foods, such as dairy and gluten
- Genetic factors, which can be passed down from one generation to another
- Medications, including aspirin and ibuprofen, which can irritate the lining of your colon
- Severe reactions to antibiotics
- Other gastrointestinal conditions, such as malabsorption of acids made by the liver (bile acid), which can damage the lining of your colon
- Viruses that trigger inflammation
Ulcerative Colitis Treatment
The specialists at our Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program have unparalleled expertise in diagnosing and treating ulcerative colitis. Learn more about our approach to ulcerative colitis treatments.