Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the large intestine (also known as the large bowel or colon). The most common symptoms are bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain Figure 01. Ulcerative colitis involves periodic inflammation and loss of tissue (ulceration) of the lining of the large intestine. The condition produces frequent bouts of urgent, bloody diarrhea, and sometimes with abdominal cramping. It usually begins in childhood or early adulthood, and is characterized by periods of exacerbations and remissions. During remissions, the person may feel well and be free of symptoms. Ulcerative colitis shares many common characteristics with Crohns disease, another inflammatory bowel disease. About 15% of patients with inflammatory bowel disease have features of both conditions, and cannot be clearly diagnosed with one or the other. Figure 01. Anatomy of the digestive system The more the bowel is inflamed, the more severe the disease. The inflammation and ulceration of ulcerative colitis is present in the rectum, and may spread up through the large intestine in a characteristically continuous manner. Disease severity depends in part on how much of the intestine is affected. If disease is confined to the rectum (proctitis), symptoms are often relatively minor. Proctosigmoiditis is the term … Continue reading →

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in which the lining of the large intestine (colon or bowel) and the rectum become inflamed. This inflammation produces tiny sores or ulcers on the lining of the colon. It usually begins in the rectum and spreads upward. It rarely affects the small intestine beyond the lower portion. The inflammation causes the bowel to move bowel contents rapidly and empty frequently. As cells on the surface of the lining of the bowel die, ulcers (open sores) form. The ulcers may cause bleeding and discharge of mucus and pus. This disease affects people of all ages. Symptoms tend to develop when people are between the ages of 15 and 30, or between the ages of 50 and 70. The cause of this condition is not known. Researchers no longer believe that it is caused by stress. Today, research focuses on the immune system and heredity for possible causes. Most people with ulcerative colitis dont have a family history of the condition. However, you are more likely to develop it if a close family member also has the condition. Ulcerative colitis can develop in a person of any race, but it is more common … Continue reading →

Important: The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, blogs, or WebMD Answers are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment. Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you … Continue reading →