PREVALENCE, PREDISPOSING FACTORS, AND PATHOGENETIC ASPECTS OF ULCERATIVE COLITIS

This article is devoted to a literature review on the etiopathogenetic aspects of ulcerative colitis. The prevalence of ulcerative colitis ranges from 21 to 268 cases per 100,000 population. The annual increase in incidence is 5-20 cases (per 100,000 population), and this figure continues to grow (approximately 6 times over the past 40 years). Significant factors in the genesis of ulcerative colitis include the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, oral contraceptives, high hygiene standards in childhood, lactose intolerance, consumption of large amounts of refined carbohydrates, and the potential role of artificial feeding and psychological stress. It is known that appendectomy at a young age has a protective effect against the development of ulcerative colitis.