Ulcerative colitis is one of the Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD). Ulcerative colitis affects only the colon. It is a chronic (long term) disease that recurs over a lifetime, which is marked by periods of remission (few symptoms) and exacerbation (heavy symptoms). The inflammation involves the entire rectum and extends up the colon in a solid wave. Ulcerative colitis does not skip from one area to the next. With ulcerative colitis the lesions affect only the innermost lining of the colon.
The following are the most common symptoms of ulcerative colitis. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
People who experience the signs and symptoms of IBD may have further testing done to receive an accurate diagnosis. The specific tests include:
Treatment of ulcerative colitis disease is highly individualized. Factors that affect your treatment are:
Read more about ulcerative colitis treatment »