What are the main causes for ulcerative colitis?
The key triggers and common ulcerative colitis causes are still a mystery. The current thinking is that diet and stress might make things worse but don’t actually cause the disease. Another possible trigger is an immune system glitch. When your immune system fights off a virus or bacteria, it can mistakenly attack the cells in your digestive tract too. Genetics seem to play a part since ulcerative colitis is more common in people with a family history of the disease. But, interestingly, most people with ulcerative colitis don’t have any family members with it.
More from NIH: Ulcerative Colitis
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Food intolerance
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Food intolerances, such as lactose or gluten, can cause digestive issues, triggering symptoms of ulcerative colitis or exacerbating inflammation in the digestive tract.
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Antibiotics
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Antibiotics can disrupt the gut microbiome, leading to an imbalance that may trigger or worsen ulcerative colitis flare-ups by reducing beneficial bacteria in the gut.
3
Genetics
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Genetic factors play a significant role in the development of ulcerative colitis. A family history of inflammatory bowel disease increases the likelihood of developing the condition.
4
Anxiety
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18
Anxiety can lead to gut disturbances, increasing stress hormones in the body that may exacerbate ulcerative colitis symptoms, making it more difficult to manage flare-ups.
5
Caffeine
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7
Caffeine can irritate the colon and trigger symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal cramping in individuals with ulcerative colitis. It can also disrupt sleep patterns, further exacerbating flare-ups.
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NSAIDs
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NSAIDs, like ibuprofen or aspirin, can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, exacerbating ulcerative colitis symptoms and causing further inflammation in the colon.
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Parasites
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5
Parasitic infections can affect gut health and may trigger ulcerative colitis flare-ups by introducing harmful microorganisms that disrupt the balance of gut bacteria.
8
Lack of sleep
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Chronic lack of sleep can weaken the immune system, contributing to flare-ups in individuals with ulcerative colitis and increasing sensitivity to gut inflammation.
9
Cipro
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10
Ciprofloxacin, an antibiotic, can disrupt the gut microbiome and lead to digestive system disturbances. In some cases, it may trigger ulcerative colitis flare-ups.
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Bacterial infection
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Bacterial infections, especially those affecting the intestines, can trigger inflammation in the gut and worsen the symptoms of ulcerative colitis.
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Smoking
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Smoking is a known risk factor for the development of ulcerative colitis. It can weaken the immune system and worsen symptoms, although some may have relief from symptoms after quitting.
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Alcohol
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Alcohol can irritate the gut lining and trigger inflammation, making ulcerative colitis symptoms worse. It can also affect nutrient absorption and disrupt the gut microbiome.
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Recreational drugs
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Certain recreational drugs, particularly those that affect the gastrointestinal system (like marijuana), can irritate the colon and trigger inflammation, worsening ulcerative colitis.
14
Eating more fiber
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A sudden increase in dietary fiber, especially in individuals with a sensitive digestive system, can exacerbate symptoms of ulcerative colitis and cause more frequent flare-ups.
15
Stress
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Chronic stress can increase the risk of ulcerative colitis flare-ups by affecting immune function and increasing gut inflammation. Stress management is important for symptom control.
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Airborne allergies
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Airborne allergens, such as pollen or mold, may worsen inflammation in people with ulcerative colitis by impacting the immune system and potentially triggering flare-ups.
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Sun exposure
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While not a direct cause, prolonged sun exposure can impact the immune system, potentially triggering flare-ups in individuals predisposed to autoimmune conditions like ulcerative colitis.
18
Food poisoning
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4
Food poisoning can trigger inflammation in the intestines, increasing the risk of ulcerative colitis flare-ups. Certain bacteria, such as Salmonella or E. coli, may exacerbate symptoms.