Ulcerative colitis Health Article

Definition

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that affects the large intestine and rectum.

Alternative Names

Inflammatory bowel disease - ulcerative colitis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown. It may affect any age group, although there are peaks at ages 15 - 30 and then again at ages 50 - 70.

The disease usually begins in the rectal area and may eventually extend through the entire large intestine. Repeated swelling (inflammation) leads to thickening of the wall of the intestine and rectum with scar tissue. Death of colon tissue or sepsis may occur with severe disease.

The symptoms vary in severity and may start slowly or suddenly. Many factors can lead to attacks, including respiratory infections or physical stress.

Risk factors include a family history of ulcerative colitis, or Jewish ancestry. The incidence is 10 to 15 out of 100,000 people.

Symptoms

• Abdominal pain and cramping that usually disappears after a bowel movement
• Abdominal sounds (a gurgling or splashing sound heard over the intestine)
• Diarrhea, from only a few episodes to very often throughout the day (blood and mucus may be present)
• Fever
• Tenesmus
• Weight loss

Other symptoms that may occur with ulcerative colitis include the following:

• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Joint pain
• Nausea and vomiting

Signs and tests

• Barium enema
• Colonoscopy with biopsy

Your doctor may also order the following blood tests:

• Complete blood count (CBC)
• C-reactive protein (CRP)
• Sedimentation rate (ESR)