Ulcerative colitis is a chronic, recurring disease of the large bowel, also known as the colon. When ulcerative colitis affects the colon, inflammation and sores develop in the lining of the colon. The disease may involve the entire colon, just the rectum, or an area between the colon and rectum, which is most common.
Men and women of all ages and races can have ulcerative colitis.
Ulcerative colitis begins gradually and is characterized by crampy abdominal pain and by diarrhea that is sometimes bloody. Those who have the disease also become weak because of weight loss and loss of appetite. Symptoms tend to come and go, and there are often long periods of time when an individual has no symptoms at all. The symptoms do, however, come back.
Blood and stool tests are performed to rule out infections that mimic the disease. A visual examination of the lining of the rectum and lower colon or of the entire colon takes place as well.
Patients with ulcerative colitis are normally on medication (given by pill or enema) for long periods of time to bring the disease under control.
They may also require regular medical checkups.
Surgery to remove the colon is an option for patients who have chronic ulcerative colitis that cannot be or is difficult to control with medication. This option is rare, but it can be chosen if a person’s lifestyle or general health have been significantly affected.
