Ulcerative colitis:Aboweldiseasethat is characterized byinflammationwithulcerformationinthe lining ofcolon(large intestine). Its cause is unknown. The end of the colon (therectum)是克enerally involved. When limited to the rectum, the disease is calledulcerative proctitis. The inflammation may extend to varying degrees into the upper parts of the colon. When the entire colon is involved, it is referred to as pancolitis or universal colitis. Symptoms include intermittent rectal bleeding, crampy abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Many patients experience long remissions, even withoutmedication.Ulcerative colitismay mysteriously resolve after a long history of symptoms. Direct visualization (via sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy) andbiopsyof the lining of the bowel is the most accurate diagnostic test. Treatment ofulcerative colitisinvolves medications and/orsurgery; changes in diet can sometimes help.
