I recently asked myself the same question. I have only had a flare up ever since being diagnosed with UC. I have been doing great with Asacol but it's not cheap. I stopped to taking it to see what would happen. I guess I just wanted to know if I truely had UC or just an acute attack of colitis. My symptoms returned in 2.5 days. Needless to day, I will be starting back on the Asacol immediately.