Ulcerative Colitis

What is ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects only the large intestine. The most common symptoms are diarrhea, bloody stools, and abdominal pain, but it can also cause weight loss, fatigue, anemia, skin lesions, rashes, and other symptoms.

Diagnosing ulcerative colitis

At the Center for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Celiac Disease, we offer diagnostic services that can determine whether your child is suffering from ulcerative colitis. In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, these services may include blood or stool tests, endoscopies or colonoscopies with biopsies, and magnetic resonance enterography.

Treating ulcerative colitis

Though there is no cure for ulcerative colitis, there are highly effective treatments that allow most children with these diseases to feel well and have excellent outcomes. We offer a wide range of services that can help manage symptoms and improve your child’s quality of life. These may include a personalized pharmacotherapy plan, surgery when needed, or an appointment with a dietitian to set up a nutritional plan. These services may also include meetings with psychologists and social workers to help with psychosocial issues that can happen when a child or adolescent is diagnosed with UC.

Learn more about our treatments and services >

Ulcerative colitis 101 video from the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation