Ulcerative colitis is a condition affecting the large intestine, marked by inflammation and the formation of ulcers in its lining. The exact cause remains unknown. Typically, the end section of the colon is affected, and when the disease is confined to the rectum, it is known as ulcerative proctitis. The inflammation can spread to various degrees throughout the colon, and when it impacts the entire colon, it is termed pancolitis or universal colitis. Common symptoms include periodic bleeding, crampy abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Some patients experience lengthy periods of remission, even without treatment, and symptoms may unexpectedly resolve after a prolonged history. The most definitive way to diagnose this condition is through direct visualization, using sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, along with a biopsy of the intestinal lining. Managing ulcerative colitis often involves medication and/or surgery, and dietary adjustments can sometimes be beneficial.
