The only way to diagnose UC with certainty is by testing a small sample of tissue from your intestines during a colonoscopy. This is known as a biopsy.
But other tests are used to confirm a UC diagnosis, check its severity, see how much of the large intestine is affected, identify complications, and assess if other intestinal issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Crohn’s disease are present instead.
Health History
To start, your provider will ask you about your symptoms, how long you have experienced them, and if anything makes them better or worse. They’ll want to know about your health history (any other health conditions you have or had) and what medications you take, if any. Since UC may be inherited genetically, they will also ask about your family’s medical history.
Physical Exam
At your appointment, your provider will do a physical exam. They will check your vital signs, like your blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature.
To assess your bowel health, they may listen to your abdomen with a stethoscope and feel the area to check for pain or masses. You may also need a rectal exam to check for inflammation around the anus or blood in your stool.
