Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease affecting the large intestine or colon and rectum. The cause is unknown, and symptoms include intermittent rectal bleeding, abdominal cramps and diarrhea.

Ulcerative colitis affects sufferers differently. The disease comes and goes, with many people experiencing long periods without symptoms (remissions), even without medication. The disease may even suddenly get better after a long history of symptoms.

The treatment of ulcerative colitis may involve medications such as anti-inflammatory agents and/or surgery in serious cases.