1. Health

Discuss in my forum

Ulcerative Colitis

By , About.com Guide

Updated November 25, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

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

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved.

A part of The New York Times Company.

We comply with the HONcode standard
for trustworthy health
information: verify here.