The severity varies among people. Severe disease involves more than 6 to 10 bloody bowel movements per day. This blood loss causes anemia. The person cannot absorb enough nutrients. Prolonged diarrhea may result in electrolyte imbalances.
Some people recover completely after a single attack.
In others, it may become a lifelong problem. For most patients, medical therapy can control the problem. Treatment involves relieving the symptoms and decreasing the inflammation. There are several drugs that improve symptoms in most people. Those with mild to moderate disease can eat a regular diet.