What is remission?

The ultimate goal in the treatment of UC is to achieve remission, which means that you’re no longer experiencing a frequent and urgent need to move your bowels, and that rectal bleeding, along with quality of life, is no longer a focus of your day-to-day activities. Another goal is to prevent symptoms from coming back (maintaining remission). For most people, UC involves a pattern of remission and flare-ups when symptoms return. Your gastroenterologist will work with you to prevent these flare-ups.

Treatment targets

Clinical
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Bowel habits
Endoscopic
  • Presence of ulcers or inflammation in mucosal lining of the colon
Imaging
  • Noninvasive techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound to measure mucosal healing
Biomarkers
  • Measures of inflammation such as C-reactive protein
  • Calprotectin
Quality of life
  • Fatigue
  • Disability
  • Psychosocial concerns

You can use available diagnostic test logs to keep track of your tests and results.

Downloadable test log
From what you have learned on this website, do you plan to talk to your health care provider about making any changes to your UC treatment plan?
Based on what you have learned, do you think your UC is adequately controlled?
Following your review of this web resource, how do you rate your level of comfort participating in treatment decision making with your health care provider: