What is "ulcerative colitis"

n. a serious chronic inflammatory disease of the large intestine and rectum characterized by recurrent episodes of abdominal pain and fever and chills and profuse diarrhea

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a long term condition that results in inflammation and ulcers of the colon and rectum. The primary symptom of active disease is abdominal pain and diarrhea mixed with blood. Weight loss, fever, and anemia may also occur. Often symptoms come on slowly and can range from mild to severe. Symptoms typically occur intermittently with periods of no symptoms between flares. Complications may include megacolon, inflammation of the eye, joints, or liver, and colon cancer.

The cause of UC is unknown. Theories involve immune system dysfunction, genetics, changes in the normal gut bacteria, and environmental factors. Rates tend to be higher in the developed world with some proposing this to be the result of less exposure to intestinal infections, or a Western diet and lifestyle. The removal of the appendix at an early age may be protective. Diagnosis is typically by colonoscopy with tissue biopsies. It is a kind of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) along with Crohn's disease and microscopic colitis.

Dietary changes may improve symptoms. A number of medications are used to treat symptoms and bring about and maintain remission. These include aminosalicylates such as sulfasalazine, steroids, immunosuppressants such as azathioprine, and biological therapy. Removal of the colon by surgery may be necessary if the disease is severe, does not respond to treatment, or if complications such as colon cancer develop. Removal of the colon and rectum can cure the disease.

The first description of ulcerative colitis occurred around the 1850s. Each year it newly occurs in 1 to 20 people per 100,000 and 5 to 500 per 100,000 individuals are affected. The disease is more common in North America and Europe. Often it begins between 15 and 30 years of age or among those over 60. Males and females appear to be affected equally. It has also become more common since the 1950s. Together, ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease affect approximately 500,000 to 2 million people in the United States. With appropriate treatment the risk of death appears the same as that of the general population.