Ulcerative Colitis: Facts on Symptoms, Treatment and Diet

Ulcerative Colitis Ulcerative Colitis Overview

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an acute or chronic inflammation of the membrane that lines the colon (the large intestine or large bowel). The inflammation occurs in the inner most layer of the colon and may result in the formation of sores (ulcers). Ulcerative colitis rarely affects the small intestine except for the lower most section, called the terminal ileum.

The inflammation makes the colon empty frequently causing diarrhea. Ulcers form in places where the inflammation has killed the cells lining the colon. The ulcers bleed and produce pus and mucus.

Symptoms of ulcerative colitis include abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, a recurrent urge to have a bowel movement (tenesmus), lack of appetite, fever, and fatigue.

Abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloody bowel movements are the hallmark of the disease. The disease initially causes inflammation in the rectum and may gradually spread to involve the whole colon. If just the rectum is involved, it is referred to as ulcerative proctitis.

Ulcerative colitis is one of the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), the other is Crohn's disease.

Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 11/14/2012

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Ulcerative Colitis: Facts on Symptoms, Treatment and Diet