Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease that may become more severe over time. The severity may depend on the level of inflammation in the intestines and throughout your body.
UC causes inflammation and sores in the rectum, colon, or both. This may lead to
Treatments are available to help you manage UC symptoms, but it’s possible to experience more frequent and severe symptoms as the condition progresses. You may also experience inflammation in other parts of the body.
Consider speaking with a healthcare professional if your symptoms worsen, you don’t notice any relief with treatments, or you develop new symptoms.
A doctor may order diagnostic tests to monitor inflammation and check for changes in your condition. They may also recommend changes to your treatment plan if:
- your current treatment is not effectively limiting inflammation and symptoms
- your condition progresses
- you develop complications
Learn more in this progression guide to understand how UC may affect you over time.