A Comprehensive Review on Ulcerative Colitis: Diagnosis, Etiology, Epidemiology, Current Trends, Treatment Innovation and Future Prospects

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) primarily affecting the colonic mucosa. Characterized by periods of remission and relapse, UC leads to significant morbidity and affects quality of life. The disease typically begins in the rectum and may extend proximally to involve the entire colon. Although its exact etiology remains unclear, a combination of genetic, immunological, and environmental factors contributes to disease development. Common clinical features include abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, urgency, and weight loss. Diagnosis is based on clinical evaluation, endoscopic findings, and histological examination. Management strategies range from pharmacologic interventions such as aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and biologics to surgical options in refractory cases. Recent advances in diagnostics, including fecal biomarkers and imaging techniques, have improved disease monitoring. Lifestyle modifications and dietary interventions also play a crucial role in disease management. This review summarizes current knowledge on the epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnostic tools, treatment modalities, and future directions in the management of Ulcerative Colitis.