Overview

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The large intestine (colon) gets inflamed and ulcers form in your colon. These ulcers can bleed.

People have "attacks" of ulcerative colitis. Attacks can come and go. They can cause painful belly cramps and bloody diarrhea.

This disease can affect part or all of the colon. How bad the disease gets will often depend on how much of the colon is affected.

Bad attacks are often treated in a hospital. There you can get medicines, fluid, and nutrition through a tube in your vein, called an I.V. This lets your digestive system rest and recover.

If the medicines don't work well, surgery may be needed to remove the colon.

At home, you can help control your ulcerative colitis. Take your medicines and try to eat well. And see your doctor as much as they recommend.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Be safe with medicines. Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor or nurse advice line if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.
• Do not take anti-inflammatory medicines unless your doctor says it is okay. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve). They may make your symptoms worse.
• Talk to your doctor before you take any other medicines or natural health products.
• Eat enough protein and drink plenty of fluids. During a flare-up, avoid foods that make your symptoms worse. These include foods high in fibre or fat and foods with lactose.
• Talk to a dietitian to make sure you are getting the nutrition, including vitamins and minerals, that you need.
• Take any nutrition supplements that your doctor prescribes.
• This disease can affect all parts of your life. Get support from friends and family or a counsellor.