Ulcerative colitis

Updated: 2024-09-06

Description

A type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes swelling in the digestive tract.

Overview

Ulcerative colitis is an ongoing inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation in the digestive tract. It typically affects only the rectum and innermost lining of the large intestine, called the colon. Forms range from mild to serious.

Symptoms

Symptoms include rectal bleeding, bloody diarrhea, belly cramps and pain.

Treatments

Treatments include medicines and surgery.