Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis ( UC ) is a chronic, relapsing and remitting inflammatory disease of the colon with characteristic symptoms including bloody stools , diarrhoea , urgency , incontinence , fatigue , mucus discharge , cramps . night time bowel movements and an increased frequency in bowel movements ( Ungaro et al Lancet 2017 )

Part of conditions known as Inflammatory bowel disease ( IBD - Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's disease ) a group of chronic idiopathic inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract with symptoms evolving in a relapsing and remitting manner The prevalence of IBD has increased worldwide over the last 50 yrs Highest prevalence of UC has been noticed in Europe and N America - although rate of IBD is rising in the developing world ( possibly related to improved hygiene and sanitation which has led to reduced exposure to enteric infections and immaturity of the immune systems ) Incidence and prevalence of UC varies geographically It can be said that IBD is closely linked to a westernized environment and lifestyle In the developed world UC has plateaued or has even reduced UC is more common than CD ( Crohn's disease ) in adults Often presents in young adulthood...