Ulcerative colitis is the inflammation of the colon (the large intestine). A long-term condition, ulcerative colitis is quite chronic, and in extreme cases, it leads to ulcers (and bleeding) in the lining of the large intestine. Learn more about ulcerative colitis below:
- Up to 700,000 people in the United States suffer from ulcerative colitis, and there is no known cure for the condition.
- Early warning signs are diarrhea (with streaks of blood and mucus), abdominal pain, anemia, weight loss, and so on. Symptoms are more pronounced in the morning and may cease for months even without treatment. However, they always return.
- The causes of ulcerative colitis remain unclear, but contributing factors include genetics (20% of patients have a family history of the disease or of Crohn’s disease) and lifestyle choices (diet, poor hygiene, cigarette smoking, etc.).
- The disease may also be caused by an autoimmune reaction to a nonexistent infection or a continued response to an infection that has already been eliminated.
- While ulcerative colitis can affect people of any age, teenagers and young adults between 15 and 30 years old are at a higher risk.
- As mentioned above, ulcerative colitis cannot be treated completely. However, it can be managed with medications and lifestyle changes.
There are a couple of clinical trials looking to develop a permanent cure for ulcerative colitis. If you’re suffering from the condition, participating in a trial allows you to enjoy top-quality care. You also gain free access to new medications that are not yet available to the general public.
To enroll, please visit DM Clinical. For any inquiries, please call 281-517-0550.