What is Ulcerative Colitis? – About.com Health

IBD does tend to run in families, but most people with ulcerative colitis do not have a family member with the disease. Photo photostock

Updated January 05, 2015.

Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease that causes inflammation in the rectum, colon (large intestine), and, infrequently, the last part of the small intestine (ileum). The inflammation affects the inner lining of the colon, causing small sores, or ulcers.

Ulcerative colitis, along with a similar condition known as Crohn's disease, are collectively called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Below, find the most important information about ulcerative colitis and links to more in-depth coverage on each topic.

It is thought that IBD may be an autoimmune disease, and one theory about the cause is that it could be a result of an allergic response.

Another possibility is that IBD may be caused by some combination of environmental factors. The actual cause of IBD could be a result of one or more of these theories, or there may still be a cause that research hasn't uncovered.

Blood tests can also offer helpful information about the status of IBD, especially the red blood cell and white blood cell counts. Blood tests can also monitor levels of electrolytes such as sodium and potassium, which may be depleted because of chronic diarrhea.

Types of drugs commonly used to treat ulcerative colitis include:

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What is Ulcerative Colitis? - About.com Health