Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic (ongoing) disease of the colon, or large intestine. The disease is manifested by inflammation and ulceration of the colon mucosa (innermost lining). Tiny open sores or ulcers, form on the surface of the lining where they bleed and produce pus and mucus. Inflammation causes the colon to empty frequently, so symptoms typically include diarrhea and crampy abdominal pain.

Inflammation usually begins in the rectum, but it may involve the entire colon. When ulcerative colitis affects only the rectum, it is called ulcerative proctitis. If the disease affects only the left side of the colon, it is called limited or distal colitis, and when it involves the entire colon, it is called pancolitis. There are no areas of normal intestine between the areas of diseased intestine, and it affects only the innermost lining of the colon.