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Ulcerative Colitis
- Topic Overview
-
Health Tools
- Cause
- Symptoms
- What Happens
- What Increases Your Risk
- When To Call a Doctor
- Exams and Tests
- Treatment Overview
- Prevention
- Home Treatment
- Medications
- Surgery
- Other Treatment
- Other Places To Get Help
- Related Information
- References
- Credits
The cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown. It may result from an abnormal response by the body's immune system to normal intestinal bacteria. Disease-causing bacteria and viruses also may play a role in causing the condition.
Ulcerative colitis can run in families—some people may have a genetic tendency to have it.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: October 7, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Arvydas D. Vanagunas, MD - Gastroenterology | |
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