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What is ulcerative colitis?

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Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the large intestine.

Summary

• Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease
• It causes inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the large intestine
• The exact cause is not known
• Most sufferers are between the ages of 15 and 40 years
• The most common symptoms are abdominal pain and bloody diarrhoea
• Although it is treatable, there is no specific cure
• Diagnosis includes a physical exam and series of blood tests
• The condition does not result in significant reduction in life-expectancy if adequately managed by an experienced medical professional.

What is ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which is the collective name for non-infectious diseases that cause inflammation in the intestines. It causes inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the large intestine. 

While this inflammation usually occurs in the rectum and lower part of the colon, it could affect the entire colon. Due to the inflammation the colon empties frequently, causing diarrhoea. The ulcers form in places where the inflammation has destroyed colon lining cells, bleeding and producing pus and mucus.

Ulcerative colitis can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to other intestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn's disease. Crohn's disease is different from ulcerative colitis in that it causes inflammation deeper within the intestinal wall, and also frequently involves the small bowel.

Reviewed by Dr Ismail Moola, MBCHB (UCT) FCP (SA) Cert Gastro Phys (SA). Specialist Physician / Gastroenterologist, Netcare Sunninghill Hospital; Lecturer, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of the Witwatersrand.

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