Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and ulcers in the mucosa of the digestive tract. These ulcers usually begin in the rectum and spread to other parts of the large intestine (colon). The symptoms of UC typically begin between the ages of 15 and 30.[1]
What is ulcerative colitis?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that leads to inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract's mucosa; it starts in the rectum and potentially spreads to the colon. Symptoms typically arise between the ages of 15 and 30, and studies show a second peak later in life, after the age of 50 or older (ages 70-79).