The "Silent" Inflammation How Ulcerative Colitis Affects the Indian Gut

Doctor, it's just heat (garmi) or maybe something I ate at the wedding last night."

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As a gastroenterologist in India, I hear this daily. In our culture, we are quick to blame "gas," "indigestion," or "spicy food" for our bathroom troubles. But what if the frequent trips to the toilet and the sight of blood aren't just a temporary upset? What if it is a silent fire burning inside your colon? This is Ulcerative Colitis (UC).

What is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative Colitis is a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Unlike a simple infection that comes and goes, UC is a chronic condition where your immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of your large intestine (colon). This creates sores, or ulcers, that bleed and produce mucus.