Ulcerative Colitis: Managing Flares and Remissions
A continuous inflammation limited to the colon.
Dr. Yann Beaumont
Gastroenterologist
In simple terms
UC differs from Crohn's: inflammation is continuous, superficial, and confined to the colon and rectum.
What you need to remember
- Treatment — ASA agents (mesalazine) for mild-moderate disease
- Cancer surveillance — Long-standing extensive UC raises colon cancer risk; surveillance colonoscopy every 1-3 years after 8-10 years of disease.
- Lifestyle — Unlike Crohn's, smoking may transiently mask UC, but is never recommended given overall harm.
Bloody diarrhoea with mucus, urgency, tenesmus, and lower abdominal pain. Severity ranges from proctitis to extensive colitis.
Treatment
- 5-ASA agents (mesalazine) for mild-moderate disease
- Steroids for acute flares
- Thiopurines, anti-TNF, vedolizumab, JAK inhibitors for refractory disease
- Colectomy in severe or steroid-dependent cases
Cancer surveillance
Long-standing extensive UC raises colon cancer risk; surveillance colonoscopy every 1-3 years after 8-10 years of disease.
Lifestyle
Unlike Crohn's, smoking may transiently mask UC, but is never recommended given overall harm.
Symptom improvement does not always equal mucosal healing: regular endoscopic reassessment matters.
The words explained
Medical terms used above, in everyday language.
- Acute
- Something that starts suddenly and lasts a short time.
- Symptom
- A sign you can feel or see that something is wrong, like pain, tiredness or a rash.
When should you see a doctor?
- Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
- They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
- You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
- You already take medication and want to change anything about it.
This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Ulcerative Colitis: Managing Flares and Remissions?
- UC differs from Crohn's: inflammation is continuous, superficial, and confined to the colon and rectum.
- What are the main symptoms or signs of Ulcerative Colitis: Managing Flares and Remissions?
- Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
- When should you see a doctor for Ulcerative Colitis: Managing Flares and Remissions?
- See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.
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