Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune condition, meaning the body starts attacking certain parts of itself as it recognises them as foreign, rather like it would with an infection which is a foreign invasion of viruses or bacteria.

The underlying cause is not known, but likely to be a complex mix of factors. Genetics plays a part – up to 1 in 5 people who develop UC have a close relative with it - and its course may be influenced by some aspects of diet and lifestyle, leading to the immune system acting inappropriately.

Treatment aims to reduce inflammation of the bowel with medications such as steroids, aminosalicylates and immunosuppressants. Some may need to stay on medications long term to control symptoms, and some may experience complications that require surgery to remove part of the bowel.

Other autoimmune or inflammatory conditions can be more common if you suffer from ulcerative colitis. It's common to get inflammation with the joints, especially those of the hand, eye problems, such as an inflammatory condition known as uveitis, skin problems, such as psoriasis, and a lower back problem called ankylosing spondylitis.

Ulcerative colitis is not contagious and cannot be passed on from person to person, but it may be inherited.

Ulcerative colitis is not linked to any kind of food intolerance, but there is some evidence that certain dietary changes may help symptoms - following a high-calorie diet or lactose-free diet are two examples. These may be recommended by your specialist team alongside medications to dampen down the inflammatory response.

There's some evidence that improving your gut microbiome balance could reduce inflammation and keep your condition under control. A recent study showed that Symprove, a probiotic supplement, reduced inflammatory markers in tests.

You could try anti-inflammatory foods such as those rich in omega 3, turmeric and Psyllium husk as soluble fibre. Vitamin C-rich foods and ginger may help protect the intestinal lining.

You are at risk of anaemia, so make sure you have enough iron-rich foods or you could try supplements, and seek out vitamin B foods or supplements to help with any fatigue.

If you have a flare of ulcerative colitis, you are not fit to work. If your symptoms are manageable, you may be fit for work.

If you have diarrhoea with blood, mucus or abdominal pain, you should book an urgent appointment with your doctor. If the symptoms are severe or you are unwell, book an urgent doctor's appointment. If you are concerned, call 111 for urgent help over the phone.

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and, if necessary, examine you. Depending on the possible diagnosis, blood tests, urine or stool tests, or imaging (ultrasound, X-ray, CT scan) could be carried out, or you may be referred to a specialist department. The doctor may also prescribe some medication to help with your symptoms.

In the long term, it's likely you will have a hospital specialist team to monitor your condition and advise on treatment to best suit you. Once your ulcerative colitis is under good control, they may ask your doctor to take over care, but will be on hand for any future flare-ups.

Unfortunately, this condition also puts you at increased risk of bowel cancer. You will be under regular surveillance to monitor this, as symptoms of colitis and bowel cancer can appear similar, so it can be difficult to spot without regular tests.