What Is Ulcerative Colitis?

What Is Ulcerative Colitis?

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:

Surgery: Surgery for ulcerative colitis is often called a "cure," because removing the large intestine effectively eliminates many of the symptoms of ulcerative colitis, such as diarrhea, bloody stool, and abdominal pain.

The most common surgery done to treat ulcerative colitis is a proctocolectomy with creation of pelvic pouch (j-pouch). During this surgery, the large intestine is removed and the last part of the small intestine (the ileum) is used to create an internal pouch. The internal pouch is then connected to the rectum, which allows for more normal elimination.

Proctocolectomy with creation of ileostomy is another surgery that is used to treat ulcerative colitis. In this surgery, the large intestine is removed, and a stoma is created. An ileostomy pouch is worn on the abdomen to collect waste.

After 10 years with ulcerative colitis, the risk of colorectal cancer does increase, but only develops in about 5% of people.

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What Is Ulcerative Colitis?