Definition: Ulcerative colitis is a disease that causes inflammation and sores, called ulcers, in the lining of the rectum and colon. Ulcers form where inflammation has killed the cells that usually line the colon, then bleed and produce pus. Inflammation in the colon also causes the colon to empty frequently, causing diarrhea.
When the inflammation occurs in the rectum and lower part of the colon it is called ulcerative proctitis. If the entire colon is affected it is called pancolitis. If only the left side of the colon is affected it is called limited or distal colitis.
Symptoms of ulcerative colitis include:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloody diarrhea
- Anemia
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Rectal bleeding
- Skin lesions
- Joint pain
- Growth failure (in children)
Pronunciation: UL-sur-ay-tive koh-LY-tis
