What Causes Ulcerative Colitis?

What causes ulcerative colitis? Ulcerative colitis is defined as inflammation of the intestines, or specifically the colon, often with ulcers present. The current specific cause for ulcerative colitis is unknown, quite possibly making it an idiopathic disease. However, whereas there is not a specific cause for UC, there are general opinions as to what may trigger the onset of ulcerative colitis.

For quite some time, scientists and researchers believed stress was a strong contributing factor to triggering ulcerative colitis flare-ups. However, recent studies have shown that this in fact may not be quite true. When stress is present, while it may help contribute to active colitis, it is more of an aggrovating factor, potentially making the condition worse.

Immune System Cause

There are some that believe ulcerative colitis may be caused by an certain type of bacteria, or possibly even a virus. When the bacteria or virus enters the digestive tract, the intestines may react harshly by becoming inflamed, while the body's immune system attempts to fight of the foreign body.

There is also the reasoning that ulcerative colitis is an autoimmune disease, meaning that the body's immune system essentially turns on itself when there is no threat present. WHen this happens, the intestines become inflamed, and ulcers are a result as well.

Genetics

There is also an increased chance of developing ulcerative colitis if another family member has had it, particularly a parent or sibling. The genetic make-up of a person may determine whether or not a person is susceptible to ulcerative colitis.

More Ulcerative Colitis Causes Resources:

• Mayo Clinic
• MedicineNet.com
• NDDIC