Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis

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Insights & Information

Ulcerative colitis Prevalence

Ulcerative colitis is estimated to affect about one in every 330 people globally. [1]

In 2017, North America was recorded as having the highest global prevalence of IBD and the Caribbean recorded as having the lowest. [2]

Genetics

Researchers have found variations in dozens of genes which may be linked to developing ulcerative colitis, but the role of these variants is not yet confirmed or fully understood. [3]

The heritability of Ulcerative colitis is medium - 60%

Main Symptoms

Recurring diarrhoea
Tummy pain
Frequent need to empty bowels
Fatigue
Weight loss

Severity of symptoms varies, depending on how much of the colon is inflamed and how severe the inflammation is. [4]

Impacts

6.8 million cases of IBD were recorded word-wide in 2017 with its global prevalence growing significantly over a 27 year period. [5]

The Nation Institute for Health and Care Excellence (UK) reports that ulcerative colitis can develop at any age, but that peak incidence occurs between the ages of 15 and 25 years. [6]

Resources for advice

These are the best resources we've found so far on managing and learning about Ulcerative colitis . Please let us know if you have other and we'll add them to the list!

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