Quitting smoking could increase your risk of surgery for ulcerative colitis!

There is ample evidence to demonstrate that ulcerative colitis is a disease of non-smokers and ex-smokers. Cigarette smoking appears to convey some protection against the disease and can induce a remission in ex-smokers who recommence while they are in a relapse. Nicotine is believed to be the pharmacological agent responsible for this effect, although its mode of action remains a puzzle.