Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that primarily affects the colon (large intestine) and the rectum. It is characterized by inflammation and ulcers in the innermost lining of the colon's mucosa. This inflammation can lead to various symptoms and complications.

Key features of ulcerative colitis include:

1. **Inflammation:** Inflammation occurs in the rectum and can extend continuously into the colon. The severity and extent of inflammation can vary from person to person.

2. **Symptoms:** Common symptoms of ulcerative colitis include diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping, rectal bleeding, and an urgent need to have a bowel movement. Some individuals may also experience fatigue, weight loss, and loss of appetite.

3. **Flare-Ups:** Ulcerative colitis tends to have periods of symptom exacerbation (flare-ups) and remission when symptoms improve or disappear.

4. **Complications:** In severe cases, complications can include bowel perforation, strictures (narrowing of the intestine), and an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

5. **Extraintestinal Symptoms:** Ulcerative colitis can sometimes lead to symptoms outside the digestive tract, such as joint pain, skin rashes, and eye inflammation.

The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. It typically begins in early adulthood but can occur at any age.

Treatment for ulcerative colitis aims to reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms, and maintain long-term remission. This may involve medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, and biologics. In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the colon and rectum. 

Management of ulcerative colitis often requires close monitoring by a healthcare professional to develop an individualized treatment plan and ensure the best possible quality of life for those affected by the condition.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that primarily affects the colon (large intestine) and the rectum. It is characterized by inflammation and ulcers in the innermost lining of the colon's mucosa. This inflammation can lead to various symptoms and complications.

Key features of ulcerative colitis include:

1. **Inflammation:** Inflammation occurs in the rectum and can extend continuously into the colon. The severity and extent of inflammation can vary from person to person.

2. **Symptoms:** Common symptoms of ulcerative colitis include diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping, rectal bleeding, and an urgent need to have a bowel movement. Some individuals may also experience fatigue, weight loss, and loss of appetite.

3. **Flare-Ups:** Ulcerative colitis tends to have periods of symptom exacerbation (flare-ups) and remission when symptoms improve or disappear.

4. **Complications:** In severe cases, complications can include bowel perforation, strictures (narrowing of the intestine), and an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

5. **Extraintestinal Symptoms:** Ulcerative colitis can sometimes lead to symptoms outside the digestive tract, such as joint pain, skin rashes, and eye inflammation.

The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. It typically begins in early adulthood but can occur at any age.

Treatment for ulcerative colitis aims to reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms, and maintain long-term remission. This may involve medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, and biologics. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the colon and rectum, resulting in a procedure called a colectomy.

Management of ulcerative colitis often requires close monitoring by a healthcare professional to develop an individualized treatment plan and ensure the best possible quality of life for those affected by the condition.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that primarily affects the colon (large intestine) and the rectum. It is characterized by inflammation and ulcers in the innermost lining of the colon's mucosa. This inflammation can lead to various symptoms and complications.

Key features of ulcerative colitis include:

1. **Inflammation:** Inflammation occurs in the rectum and can extend continuously into the colon. The severity and extent of inflammation can vary from person to person.

2. **Symptoms:** Common symptoms of ulcerative colitis include diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping, rectal bleeding, and an urgent need to have a bowel movement. Some individuals may also experience fatigue, weight loss, and loss of appetite.

3. **Flare-Ups:** Ulcerative colitis tends to have periods of symptom exacerbation (flare-ups) and remission when symptoms improve or disappear.

4. **Complications:** In severe cases, complications can include bowel perforation, strictures (narrowing of the intestine), and an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

5. **Extraintestinal Symptoms:** Ulcerative colitis can sometimes lead to symptoms outside the digestive tract, such as joint pain, skin rashes, and eye inflammation.

The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. It typically begins in early adulthood but can occur at any age.

Treatment for ulcerative colitis aims to reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms, and maintain long-term remission. This may involve medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, and biologics. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the colon and rectum, resulting in a procedure called a colectomy.

Management of ulcerative colitis often requires close monitoring by a healthcare professional to develop an individualized treatment plan and ensure the best possible quality of life for those affected by the condition.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that primarily affects the colon (large intestine) and the rectum. It is characterized by inflammation and ulcers in the innermost lining of the colon's mucosa. This inflammation can lead to various symptoms and complications.

Key features of ulcerative colitis include:

1. **Inflammation:** Inflammation occurs in the rectum and can extend continuously into the colon. The severity and extent of inflammation can vary from person to person.

2. **Symptoms:** Common symptoms of ulcerative colitis include diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping, rectal bleeding, and an urgent need to have a bowel movement. Some individuals may also experience fatigue, weight loss, and loss of appetite.

3. **Flare-Ups:** Ulcerative colitis tends to have periods of symptom exacerbation (flare-ups) and remission when symptoms improve or disappear.

4. **Complications:** In severe cases, complications can include bowel perforation, strictures (narrowing of the intestine), and an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

5. **Extraintestinal Symptoms:** Ulcerative colitis can sometimes lead to symptoms outside the digestive tract, such as joint pain, skin rashes, and eye inflammation.

The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. It typically begins in early adulthood but can occur at any age.

Treatment for ulcerative colitis aims to reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms, and maintain long-term remission. This may involve medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, and biologics. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the colon and rectum, resulting in a procedure called a colectomy.

Management of ulcerative colitis often requires close monitoring by a healthcare professional to develop an individualized treatment plan and ensure the best possible quality of life for those affected by the condition.

To get in touch with Dr. Lo of SoCal Digestive Wellness to make an appointment for to discuss your treatment options in Arcadia, CA,  give us a call at (818) 659-5887 or drop us a line via our website.