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Ulcerative Colitis

What Is Ulcerative Colitis? Key Facts to Know

In this video, gastroenterologists explain what exactly happens to your body when you have ulcerative colitis.

Lauren Smith, MASanjai Sinha, MD
Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD
Updated on April 9, 2025
Featuring Sergey Khaitov, MD, Todd B. Linden, MDReviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD | April 9, 2025

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes irritation, swelling, and sores (ulcers) on the inner lining of the colon. This is due to attacks on the colon by the immune system.

UC often begins gradually and becomes worse over time. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis depend on the type of ulcerative colitis a person has and the severity of their disease.

References

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Lauren Smith, MA
Written by:
Lauren Smith, MA
Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.
Sanjai Sinha, MD
Reviewed by:
Sanjai Sinha, MD
Sanjai Sinha, MD, is a board-certified physician with over 20 years of experience. He specializes in internal medicine.

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