Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is defined as “a chronic inflammatory disease of the large intestine, also called the colon, that affects the lining of the colon and causes small sores, or ulcers, to form (Overview of Ulcerative Colitis, 2021).” Ulcerative Colitisis a chronic disease, which means an individual will experience periods of active flares followed by remission throughout their lifetime. According to Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation (2021), the causes of this disease may be due to the following: abnormal immune response, genetics, microbiome, and environmental factors. There is no known cure for Ulcerative Colitis disease; however medications and alterations in diet and nutrition have been found to improve symptoms.
Depending on the child’s stage of development, here are some key words you can use when explaining Ulcerative Colitis to children:
• Large Intestines / Colon – the part of your body that holds your poop before it leaves your body
• Inflammation – red and swollen
• Immune System – the parts of your body that protect you from germs that could make you sick
• Ulcers – a sore or open wound
According to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation (2021), IBS and IBD are not the same condition.
| IBD | IBS |
| • Classified as a disease • Can cause destructive inflammation and permanent harm to the intestines. • The disease can be seen during diagnostic imaging. • Increased risk for colon cancer. | • Classified as a syndrome, defined as a group of symptoms. • Does not cause inflammation; rarely requires hospitalization or surgery • There is no sign of disease or abnormality during an exam of the colon. • No increased risk for colon cancer or IBD. |
The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation provides a list of a few common signs and symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis, which include:
• Abdominal cramps and pain
• Loose and urgent bowel movements
• Bloody stool
• Anemia (low red blood cell count)
• Nausea
• Fever
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Low energy and fatigue
• Delayed growth and development in children
Ulcerative Colitis Facts from Crohnsandcolitis.com
• More than 900,000 people in the United States are affected by UC.
• Nearly 20% of people living with UC have a blood relative with IBD.
• UC affects men and women equally.
• Symptoms can range from mild to severe.
• UC often starts between the ages of 15 and 35.
• About 30% of people in remission will experience a reoccurrence of symptoms in the next year.
Resources
- Websites
• https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org
• https://www.crohnsandcolitis.com - Books
• Coping Successfully with Ulcerative Colitis by Peter Cartwright
• Crohn’s and Colitis: Understanding and Managing IBD by Dr. A. Hillary Steinhart
• Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: Everything You Need to Know – The Complete Practical Guide by Fred Saibil, MD
• IBD and the Gut-Brain Connection: A Patient’s and Carer’s Guide to Taming Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis by Dr. Antonina Mikocka-Walus
• Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions by Kate Lorig, DrPH, at al. - Applications
• My IBD
• My Crohn’s and Colitis Team
• My Symptoms Food Diary
• Cara Care: IBS, IBD, FODMAP
• TrackerFODMAP Helper – Diet Companion
• GI Monitor
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References
IBS vs IBD. Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/what-is-ibd/ibs-vs-ibd
Overview of ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. (2021). https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/what-is-ulcerative-colitis/overview.
What is ulcerative colitis? Crohn’s and Colitis. (n.d.). https://www.crohnsandcolitis.com/ulcerative-colitis.