What is UC?

Ulcerative colitis involves inflammation of the inner lining of the colon and rectum. ulcerative colitis is characterized by flare-ups followed by periods of remission that can alternate throughout a lifetime.

What is a flare-up?

A flare-up is when the rectum and/or colon become inflamed. During a flare-up, people experience periods of increased symptoms of ulcerative colitis, such as bloody diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain or cramping, and an urgent need to go to the bathroom. Flare-ups can vary in duration and intensity.

What is remission?

Remission is the time between flare-ups of ulcerative colitis when people experience few, mild, or no symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Periods of remission vary in duration, anywhere from a matter of days to a number of years.

While ulcerative colitis is a lifelong condition, flare-ups can be controlled and periods of remission maintained with the help of your doctor.