Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a disease that causes inflammation of the lining of the large intestine, which includes the colon and rectum. It is a group of diseases called inflammatory bowel disease.

The disease can begin in the rectal area, but may involve the entire large intestine over time. However, it may also begin in the rectum and other parts of the large intestine at the same time.

About half of people with ulcerative colitis have mild symptoms. In ulcerative colitis, the inflammation causes loss of the lining of the colon, which can cause pain in the stomach and blood or pus in the diarrhea.

The cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown. However, people with this condition usually have problems with their immune system.

Treatment may include medications. In some cases, people may be free of symptoms for long periods of time.

There is no known prevention for this condition and curing of ulcerative colitis is only possible through the complete removal of the large intestine.

The cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown. However, people with this condition may have problems with their immune system.

Ulcerative colitis may affect any age group. Ulcerative colitis usually develops between the ages of 15 and 30 and less frequently between the ages of 60 and 80.

Risk factors for ulcerative colitis may include a family history of ulcerative colitis or Jewish ancestry.

See your doctor for ongoing diarrhea, blood or mucus in the stool, abdominal pain, or urgency. Seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, heavy rectal bleeding, high fever, or signs of dehydration.