Ulcerative colitis

What is it?

• Autoimmune
• Antibodies attack good bacteria in colon
• Inner layer of colon becomes inflamed
• Ulcers form
• Trigger foods, stress, etc. 

Symptoms

• Abdominal pain
• Bloody diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Rectal bleeding
• Urgent bowel movements

Diagnosis

• Blood tests
• Stool sample
• Colonoscopy
• X-ray
• CT scan

Treatments

• Anti-inflammatories
• Immunosuppressants
• Dietary changes
• Surgery

Demographics

• Caucasian
• 15-30 yrs. old
• Male, female
• Denmark, Iceland, U.S.

Facts

• Limited to colon
• Continuous inflammation 
• Increased colon cancer risk
• Smokers more likely to develop Crohn's 

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