Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that affects the large intestine and rectum.

The cause is of ulcerative colitis is unknown. It may affect any age group, although there are peaks at ages 15 to 30 and then again at ages 50 to 70.

The disease usually begins in the rectal area and may eventually extend through the entire large intestine. Repeated inflammation leads to thickening of the wall of the intestine and rectum with scar tissue. Death of colon tissue or sepsis may occur with severe disease.

The symptoms vary in severity and may start gradually or suddenly. Attacks may be provoked by many factors, including respiratory infections or physical stress. Emotional stress has not been shown to aggravate ulcerative colitis.

Risk factors include a family history of ulcerative colitis, or Jewish ancestry. The incidence is 10 to 15 out of 100,000 people.

• Diarrhea, from only a few episodes to very frequently throughout the day (blood and mucus may be present)
• Abdominal pain and cramping that usually disappears after a bowel movement
• Abdominal sounds (a gurgling or splashing sound heard over the intestine)
• Fever
• Weight loss
• Tenesmus

Additional symptoms that may be associated with ulcerative colitis include the following:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Joint pain
• Gastrointestinal bleeding

• Colonoscopy with biopsy is used to diagnose ulcerative colitis
• Barium enema

Your doctor may also order the following blood tests:

• CBC
• Sedimentation rate (ESR)
• CRP (C-reactive protein)