Definition:
Ulcerative colitis is an incurable chronic disease of the intestinal tract. Ulcerative colitis and its sister disorder, Crohn’s disease, are collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Ulcerative colitis generally affects the large intestine (colon). Some signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis include:
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Rectal bleeding
- Skin and eye irritations
- Diarrhea
Stress and diet do not cause ulcerative colitis, but they can exacerbate symptoms. The symptoms of ulcerative colitis are typically treated with medications, but there is no cure. Removal of the colon through surgery may also be used as a treatment if therapy with drugs has failed or other complications arise.
Pronunciation: UL-sur-ay-tive koh-LY-tis
Common Misspellings: ulserative colitis, ulcerated colitis
