Diagnosing UC

Diagnosing ulcerative colitis may include the following:

• A thorough medical history and physical exam to detect signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis (e.g., abdominal tenderness, weight loss)
• Stool test
• Blood test
• An X-ray to provide your doctor with a picture of your intestines
• An endoscopy, such as a lower endoscopy, sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, which is a procedure where a rectally inserted instrument is used to view the interior of the colon

It's important that your doctor performs these tests to diagnose your condition and treat your condition appropriately.

Though ulcerative colitis can be unpredictable, treatment usually can provide people with a measure of control over this tough, persistent condition.

Following your doctor's recommendations can play an important role in managing your symptoms and in extending your remission.

Monitoring ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is monitored using many of the same techniques used to diagnose ulcerative colitis, including colonoscopies and biopsies.

• Talk with your doctor about how often he or she recommends having a colonoscopy
• Having biopsies:
• During a colonoscopy, your doctor may take a small tissue sample during an examination of the rectum and colon
• This biopsy may be used to measure changes in your condition or to periodically check for the possibility of other conditions, such as cancer*.
• Taking blood tests:
• Blood tests are an important and necessary part of monitoring ulcerative colitis, especially since you may be taking medications

*Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada. Colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. Available at www.ccfc.ca.
Accessed May 16, 2007.