Cause 2: Immune System Overdrive: When the Body’s Defenses Turn Against It
The second key cause of ulcerative colitis is related to the body’s immune system. The immune system is designed to protect the body against harmful pathogens. However, in individuals with UC, the immune system mistakenly starts attacking cells in the digestive tract, leading to inflammation and ulcers.
This autoimmune response is believed to be triggered by a variety of factors, including exposure to certain bacteria, viruses, or other foreign substances. The exact trigger can vary from person to person, which further adds to the complexity of this condition.
Once the immune response is triggered, it leads to a cycle of inflammation and healing in the colon and rectum. This cycle, over time, can lead to the chronic inflammation and ulceration characteristic of UC.(2)
