Heading to your next GI appointment? Arm yourself with these essential questions to take charge of your health.

Because ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic condition that requires ongoing treatment, you’ll likely establish a long-term relationship with a specialist known as a gastroenterologist.

No matter where you are in your UC journey, you’ll periodically meet with your gastroenterologist to discuss your treatment and overall health. At each appointment, it’s important to ask your doctor questions and gain a better understanding of your condition.

UC may affect your quality of life, but relief is possible. The more you know about the condition, the easier it’ll be to cope. Here are the top nine questions about UC to discuss with your gastroenterologist.

While the exact cause of UC is unknown, some experts believe it’s due to an immune system problem. The immune system mistakes good bacteria in your gut as an invader and attacks your intestinal tract. This response causes chronic inflammation and symptoms. Other possible causes of UC include genetics and the environment.

Asking this question to your doctor may seem unnecessary — especially if you’ve already done your own research or have been living with UC for some time. But it’s still helpful to find out if anything specific led to your diagnosis.

Remission is possible with the right UC treatment plan. Your doctor will recommend treatment based on the severity of your symptoms.

People with mild UC may achieve remission with an anti-inflammatory medication known as aminosalicylates.

Moderate to severe UC may require a corticosteroid, immunosuppressant drug, or both. These medications reduce inflammation by suppressing the immune system.

Biologics therapy is recommended for people who don’t respond to traditional therapy. This therapy targets proteins responsible for inflammation, in order to decrease it.

A newer class of drugs — Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors — works in a unique way to reduce inflammation in people with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis.

People who develop life threatening complications from UC may need surgery to remove their colon and rectum. This surgery also involves reconstruction to allow waste removal from the body.

UC affects the gastrointestinal tract and causes abdominal discomfort — but food doesn’t cause the disease.

That said, some foods may exacerbate flare-ups, so your doctor may recommend keeping a food diary and eliminating any foods and drinks that bring on or worsen UC symptoms. This may include vegetables that trigger gas, such as broccoli and cauliflower, and other high fiber foods. Caffeine and alcohol may also worsen symptoms.

Instead, you may want to consider focusing on low residue foods. These include white bread, white rice, refined pasta, cooked vegetables, and lean meats.

Your doctor may also suggest eating smaller, more frequent meals to help support digestion.

Along with eliminating certain foods from your diet and taking your medication as directed, certain lifestyle changes may help improve UC symptoms.

Smoking can increase inflammation throughout your body, so your doctor may recommend quitting.

Because stress can worsen symptoms of UC, your doctor may suggest strategies to help lower your stress level. These include relaxation techniques, massage therapy, and physical activity.

It can take several weeks for symptoms to improve after beginning treatment. Even after your symptoms get better, your doctor may recommend maintenance therapy to keep your disease in remission.

If your symptoms return while on maintenance therapy, contact your doctor. The severity of UC can change over the years. If this happens, your doctor may need to adjust your medications or recommend a different type of therapy.

UC is a lifelong condition that can also increase your risk of developing other health concerns. It’s essential to stay on top of your scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor your condition and overall health.

Severe dehydration can occur with UC, as the condition affects your colon’s ability to absorb water. Fluid loss from frequent bathroom trips can also lead to dehydration, so it’s important to take steps to stay hydrated.

There is also the risk of intestinal bleeding, so your doctor may monitor you for iron deficiency anemia and other nutritional deficiencies. A multivitamin may help compensate for deficiencies.

Immunosuppressant medications for UC can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to infections. If you have signs of an infection, your doctor may order a stool, blood or urine sample to identify the infection and prescribe an antibiotic if necessary. You many also need an X-ray or CT scan.

UC itself isn’t life threatening, but some complications can be.

Chronic inflammation and ulcers can lead to a type of tearing known as a perforated colon. Staying on top of your UC treatment and management plan is essential to help prevent issues.

UC can also increase the risk of colon cancer, so your doctor may schedule periodic colonoscopies to check for cancerous and precancerous cells in your colon.

If your doctor discovers a mass or tumor, a biopsy can determine whether the mass is malignant or benign. Eating a healthy diet, staying active, and maintaining a moderate weight can help lower the risk of colon cancer.

Toxic megacolon is another serious complication of UC. This happens when inflammation causes excessive gas. Trapped gas can trigger colon enlargement so that it can no longer function. A ruptured colon can lead to a blood infection. Symptoms of toxic megacolon include abdominal pain, fever, and a rapid heartbeat.

Surgery may be recommended for severe UC that doesn’t respond to therapy, or for those with life threatening complications.

The main surgical procedure is known as a proctocolectomy, which removes both your colon and rectum. From there, your doctor may create an opening in your abdominal wall, divert the small intestine through this opening, and connect it to an external bag to collect waste. Or, your doctor may connect the small intestine to the anus, allowing for more natural waste removal.

UC doesn’t usually affect fertility. Many people with UC who become pregnant have a healthy pregnancy.

But experiencing a flare-up while pregnant can increase the risk of premature birth. To help lower this risk, your doctor may recommend achieving remission before trying to conceive.

You should also avoid certain medications before getting pregnant. Some immunosuppressants increase the risk of birth irregularities. You may also need to adjust your treatment plan during pregnancy.

Living with UC may affect your ability to work, travel, or exercise, but establishing a good relationship with your doctor can help you live a full life.

The key is taking your medication as directed and meeting with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about your health. Education and knowing what to expect from this condition can help you manage life with UC.