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Concerned about symptoms?
Most patients are seen within one to two weeks at Cobalt Hospital.
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IBD Treatment
Crohn’s Disease
Rectal Bleeding
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TRUSTED INFORMATION
Official NHS condition guide, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
What is ulcerative colitis?
A long-term condition causing inflammation of the large bowel and rectum. With the right treatment, symptoms can usually be well controlled.
Ulcerative colitis symptoms are investigated and treated by Dr Kejariwal at Cobalt Hospital. Ulcerative colitis itself is a long-term type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in which the lining of the large bowel and rectum becomes inflamed and develops ulcers, most often beginning in the rectum and sometimes spreading further into the colon.
Patients from Newcastle upon Tyne, Durham, North Tyneside, Gateshead and Sunderland are seen by Dr Kejariwal for ulcerative colitis given his decade leading the IBD Service at University Hospital of North Durham, ensuring consistent, specialist-led care throughout your treatment journey.
Causes and risk factors
The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, but it is believed to involve the immune system mistakenly attacking the lining of the large bowel, influenced by genetic and environmental factors (NHS, 2026). It typically first develops between the ages of 15 and 40, though it can occur at any age.
Symptoms
- Diarrhoea, often with blood or mucus
- Urgency to reach a toilet quickly
- Abdominal cramping, especially before opening the bowels
- Fatigue and weight loss
- Periods of remission followed by flare-ups
When to seek help: Severe abdominal pain, high fever, or a sudden worsening of symptoms during a flare should be assessed urgently, as this can indicate a serious complication.
How it is diagnosed
Diagnosis typically involves blood and stool tests, followed by colonoscopy with biopsies to confirm the diagnosis and assess how much of the bowel is affected (NHS, 2026).
Treatment options
Treatment aims to reduce inflammation and maintain remission, using anti-inflammatory medication, immune-modulating or biologic therapies, and dietary and lifestyle support, with surgical referral in more severe or refractory cases. No outcome is guaranteed, and Dr Kejariwal will discuss the right approach for your individual disease severity. See our IBD treatment page for more.
Living with ulcerative colitis in 2026
Ulcerative colitis affects around 1 in 420 people in the UK, alternating between flare-ups and periods of remission that can last months or years. With the right treatment plan and regular specialist follow-up, most people are able to keep the condition well controlled and maintain a good quality of life.
Self-care and prevention
Identifying and avoiding personal trigger foods during flares, staying well hydrated, and managing stress can all help reduce symptom severity. It is important never to stop or adjust prescribed medication without discussing this with your specialist team first, even when feeling well.
What to expect at your appointment
Your first consultation with Dr Kejariwal at Cobalt Hospital typically lasts long enough to cover your full history, current symptoms, and any previous tests or treatment in detail, without feeling rushed. He will explain what he thinks is happening in plain English, talk through the realistic options available, and agree a clear next step with you, whether that is further testing, starting treatment, or simply a period of monitoring. A written summary is sent to you and, where appropriate, your GP after every appointment, so nothing gets lost between visits. Most patients are offered an appointment within one to two weeks of getting in touch, and urgent concerns are prioritised accordingly.
When to see a specialist
See a specialist for persistent diarrhoea, rectal bleeding, or abdominal pain lasting more than a few weeks.
Frequently asked questions about ulcerative colitis
Is ulcerative colitis the same as Crohn's disease?
No, although both are types of IBD. Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract, while ulcerative colitis is limited to the large bowel and rectum.
Will I need surgery for ulcerative colitis?
Most people manage their condition with medication alone, but surgery to remove part or all of the large bowel may be recommended if symptoms are severe or do not respond to treatment.
Can ulcerative colitis increase bowel cancer risk?
Long-standing, extensive ulcerative colitis can modestly increase the risk of bowel cancer over time, which is why regular surveillance colonoscopy is recommended for many patients with long-term disease.
What triggers an ulcerative colitis flare-up?
Common triggers include stopping medication too early, certain infections, NSAID painkillers, and stress, though flares can also occur without any identifiable trigger.