Definition

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a severe, chronic inflammatory bowel disease.

It causes:

• Inflammation
• Ulcers
• Bleeding in the lining of the colon and rectum

Ulcerative Colitis

© 2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.

Causes

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

Risk Factors

Family members with inflammatory bowel disease are the only risk factor.

Symptoms

If you have any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to UC. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions. Tell your doctor if you have any of these:

• 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 test
• Barium enema—injection of fluid into the rectum that makes your colon show up on an x-ray so the doctor can see abnormal spots in your colon
• 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

Prevention

There are no guidelines for preventing ulcerative colitis.