Ulcerative colitis

Updated: 2017-06-13

Overview

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic, inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation in the digestive tract, usually only the innermost lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. Forms range from mild to severe.

Symptoms

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

Treatments

Treatment includes medications and surgery.