• Go to navigation
  • Go to content
Patient Health International

You are here

  • Home
  • Ulcerative Colitis

Astrazeneca global websites

  • AstraZeneca Websites

Main navigation

  • Home
  • News & feature articles
  • Body map
  • List of health conditions
  • Interactive area
  • About medicines
  • AstraZeneca medicines
  • About clinical trials
  • Glossary
  • Links
  • Sitemap

Ulcerative Colitis

What is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease affecting the large intestine (sometimes called the large bowel or colon) and rectum.

How do you get Ulcerative Colitis?

The cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown. Major symptoms include intermittent rectal bleeding, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, passing mucus and pain. It is interesting that the incidence is high in western countries and low in developing countries.

How serious is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis has a significant effect on quality of life because of the unpleasant symptoms.

How long does Ulcerative Colitis last?

Ulcerative colitis is a long-lasting condition but it affects sufferers differently. The disease comes and goes, with many people experiencing long remissions, even without medication. The disease may even suddenly resolve after a long history of symptoms.

How is Ulcerative Colitis treated?

The treatment of ulcerative colitis may involve medications such as anti-inflammatory agents like steroids and/or surgery in serious cases.

Any medical information on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional. Click here for more important information .

  • Advanced search

Quick links

  • AstraZeneca US
  • Investor information
  • Press information

Page tools

  • Print
  • Bookmark this page

Related links

  • Other countries

List of conditions


AstraZeneca medicines

AstraZeneca International

Legal notices

  • Legal notice
  • Privacy policy
  • © AstraZeneca 2010