Living With Ulcerative Colitis: Treatment & Daily Life

Life with ulcerative colitis

Though there is currently no cure for ulcerative colitis (UC), there are treatments available to help keep the symptoms at bay and help to prevent long term problems.¹²

Medication for UC can suppress the inflammation of the colon and allow the tissue to heal.² This can reduce symptoms such as diarrhoea, bleeding, and abdominal pain.²

Ulcerative colitis symptoms

The symptoms of ulcerative colitis (UC) depend on the severity and extent of the disease, as well as on which part of the colon is affected.³ The likelihood of developing UC is almost the same for women and men and therefore, may not be linked to biologic gender.⁴ For most people living with IBD, the disorder can occur at any age, but most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20-40 years.¹

The main symptoms of UC are:¹

Diarrhoea
Rectal bleeding – visible blood in the stools
Urgency to defecate
Constipation
Generally feeling discomfort or weakness
Fever
Loss of appetite and weight loss
Fatigue (tiredness)
Abdominal pain

A composed Asian woman in a clinical environment, conveying the experience of seeking professional advice about symptoms. Positioned alongside the UC symptoms list and the reminder to speak with a healthcare professional.

However, the symptoms that occur in people with UC are very diverse. At the beginning of the diagnosis, there may only be unspecific symptoms in the gastrointestinal area that seem harmless.³ If they occur more frequently and with increasing intensity, they can also be serious signals of IBD.³ Some people may also develop anaemia (a low number of red blood cells) or problems with their joints, skin and eyes.¹

Remember to always talk to your healthcare professional to get advice if you are experiencing symptoms, especially if there has been a sudden change.

Treatment options for ulcerative colitis

The goal of medical treatment is to stop the inflammation that triggers signs and symptoms, to avoid complications, and to improve long-term prognosis. In the best cases, this may lead not only to short-term symptom relief but also to long-term remission.¹

The journey to achieving remission will be different for everyone. By staying on treatment and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, many people with UC will see their symptoms improve, or perhaps even disappear completely.¹⁵

Sometimes, however, surgical intervention is necessary.⁶ Psychological care and nutritional therapies can also help.⁷⁸

Anti-inflammatory treatment

Corticosteroids treatment

Immunomodulators

Biologics

Small molecule treatment

Aminosalicylates and corticosteroids may be used to reduce inflammation in the gut in both CD and UC. ⁹

Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatories, meaning they decrease levels of inflammation in the body. They support with moderate to severe flare-ups of IBD.⁹

Are a group of medicines that weaken or suppress the immune system activity which in turn decreases the inflammatory response in the body.⁹

Targets specific parts of the immune system and may be recommended in certain cases of moderate to severe IBD.⁹

Work inside immune cells to help manage inflammation.⁹

Want to learn more about long-term remission?

Find out how endoscopic remission could be the next step on your journey of long term healing.

Getting support for ulcerative colitis

A father and young child enjoying an outdoor outing together, conveying the aspiration of maintaining family life and daily activities while living with UC. Appears at the transition into the Getting Support section.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) can have a significant impact on your life, both physically and emotionally.¹⁸

What symptoms do you get?
How can you relieve them?
How do you handle these new emotions?
How can your friends and family help?
How can you continue to do the things you enjoy?

These are just some of the questions you might be asking yourself.

In this section, you will find practical tips and advice to help you cope with the condition and its symptoms.

Whilst it may not feel like it at the start of your diagnosis, with a bit of planning and recognising your own triggers, you can still achieve your goals and live life to the fullest. No two people with UC have the same experiences, but these tips should be a helpful starting point on your personal journey to help manage your daily life with UC.

Tips for managing ulcerative colitis

Set & measure your own goals

Take each day as it comes and focus on what you can control.

On good days you can set small goals such as going for a walk or calling a friend for a chat. Make a list of short and long term goals and tick off what you can. Avoid making too many changes at once, and with a bit of planning and recognising your triggers, you can still achieve your goals and live life fully.

A smiling couple sharing a light-hearted moment while exercising together, reflecting on their progress via a smartwatch. Positioned alongside the 'Set and measure your own goals' tip about planning achievable daily and long-term goals.

Keep a diary

Keeping a diary helps you get a handle on your feelings, as well as identify your triggers. It’s also helpful for any medical appointments to enable you to discuss any symptoms or side-effects you may have been experiencing.

A South Asian woman in a bright yellow turtleneck smiles warmly while using a laptop, with a world map on the wall behind her, conveying the habit of self-tracking and positive engagement with health management.

Talk openly with family & friends

Try to be as open and honest as possible with your loved ones about your condition, treatment, and worries. The more they understand about CD and your priorities, the better they can understand you.