Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and causes inflammation and ulceration of the inner lining of the lining of the large intestine.  The ulcers can bleed, and cause mucus and pus to be discharged from the rectum. If inflammation affects only the rectum it is known as proctitis.

It affects about 1 in 500 people in the UK, with between 6,000- 12,000 people being diagnosed annually. Both men and women are equally be affected by ulcerative colitis and it is more common in white Europeans, and less common in people of Asian descent.

It is believed that an abnormal immune response is responsible for the inflammation that occurs in ulcerative colitis but it is not understood what actually triggers this to happen. There is a higher chance of developing ulcerative colitis if there is a close family blood relation who also suffers from the condition.  Ulcerative colitis is relatively uncommon in Asian populations compared with Europe and North America. This suggests that an environmental factor, such as diet, may also be important.

What are the next steps?
If you think you have this condition or any of these symptoms
you will need to seek medical advice.
For more information or to make an appointment.
Contact birmingham bowel clinic on 0845 241 7762
or email enquiries@birminghambowelclinic.co.uk
If you have private medical care or wish
to pay to see a consultant.
Take this factsheet along to your own
GP and request a referral to one
of our consultants
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