In medical terminology, chronic means “lasting a long time.” But “lasting a long time” can have different meanings depending on the condition that you are referring to. For example:
- Chronic migraine refers to having 15 or more migraines a month for three months or longer.
- Chronic hepatitis C refers to a liver infection from the hepatitis c virus, an infection that can be cured but will not go away on its own without treatment.
- Chronic kidney disease occurs when the kidneys become damaged and stop working like they should. There is no cure and treatment focuses on slowing the progression of the condition.
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is considered a chronic condition because it is a lifelong illness. There is no cure and it requires ongoing treatment and management.
Here’s what having a chronic condition means for people living with UC.
Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease
Along with Crohn’s disease, UC is one of the two main types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It occurs as result of abnormal immune system activity, which leads to inflammation and ulcers in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
UC can cause many painful and uncomfortable symptoms, including abdominal pain, frequent diarrhea, bloody stools, fatigue, and weight loss. It can also result in a number of complications, such as permanent damage to sections of the GI tract.
Healthcare researchers have not identified the exact causes of UC, but believe it to be a combination of environmental triggers and genetic factors. When you have UC, it’s very important to work with healthcare providers who have experience with the condition.
Relapse and remission
There is no cure for UC. But this lifelong condition can go into remission with treatment. Remission refers to a period of time when symptoms go away. Achieving it is a major goal of treating IBD.
Even if it has been in remission for years, however, symptoms of UC can return. This is called a relapse or flare. Relapses can be caused by a variety of triggers, including stress, taking certain medications, or stopping treatment. Changes to diet and eating certain foods can also trigger a relapse, and people with UC are encouraged to keep a food journal—even when symptoms are in remission.
Individualized treatment for UC
Treatment for UC looks a little different for everyone. People with UC experience different symptoms, respond to different types of medications, and have different triggers. The most important step you can take toward achieving and maintaining remission is working with healthcare providers who have experience treating IBD and staying consistent with your treatment plan.
Sources: Cleveland Clinic. Chronic Migraine: What... + 8
- Cleveland Clinic. Chronic Migraine: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment. April 1, 2023. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hepatitis C Basics. September 2, 2025.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. What Is Chronic Kidney Disease in Adults. February 2025.
- Cleveland Clinic. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Symptoms and Treatment. May 7, 2023.
- University of Michigan Health. Frequently Asked Questions About Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Accessed September 15, 2025.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What Is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). June 21, 2024.
- Mayo Clinic. Inflammatory Bowel Disease. December 18, 2024.
- Temple Health. Crohn’s Disease Versus Ulcerative Colitis. Accessed September 15, 2025.
- Cleveland Clinic. Ulcerative Colitis. November 5, 2023.
- Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. Ulcerative Colitis Treatment Options. Accessed September 15, 2025.
