Ulcerative colitis is a long-term (chronic) disease. There may be times when your symptoms go away and you are in remission for months or even years. But the symptoms will come back. If only your rectum is affected, your risk of colon cancer is not higher than normal.

How long does colitis take to heal?

Most illnesses last less than 1 week, although symptoms can persist for 2 weeks or more and relapses occur in as many as 25% of patients. In up to 16% of patients, prolonged carriage of the organism can occur for 2 to 10 weeks. Recurrent and chronic infection is generally reported in immunocompromised patients.

Can colitis get better by itself?

Ulcerative colitis tends to be a progressive condition that does not get better on its own. Without treatment, symptoms may persist and get worse, and inflammation may spread within the colon. There is also a risk for further damage to the lining of the colon with every flare-up.