Ulcerative Colitis (UC)

Definition

Ulcerative colitis is a severe, chronic inflammatory bowel disease . It causes inflammation, ulcers, and bleeding in the lining of the colon and rectum.

Causes

The cause of ulcerative colitis is not known. Inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease ) seem to run in some families. Some researchers think that a virus or bacteria causes the immune system to overreact and damage the colon and rectum.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Family members with inflammatory bowel disease are the only risk factor for ulcerative colitis.

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps and pain
• Rectal bleeding
• Anemia
• Weight loss
• Fatigue, weakness
• Nausea
• Fever

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.

Tests may include:

• Blood tests
• Stool examination
• Barium enema x-ray —insertion of fluid into the rectum that makes your colon show up on an x-ray
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy —a thin, lighted tube inserted into the rectum to examine the rectum and the lower colon
• Colonoscopy —a thin, lighted tube inserted through the rectum and into the colon to examine the lining of the colon
• Biopsy —removal of a sample of colon tissue for testing (may be performed as part of a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy)

Treatment

Treatment may include:

Prevention

There are no guidelines for preventing ulcerative colitis.