Ulcerative colitis Ulcerative colitis, or UC, is a chronic gastrointestinal disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the large intestine. Causes ulcers in the colon and rectum. Ulcerative colitis is one of two forms of inflammatory bowel disease. In UC, the inflammation of the ulcers destroys the lining of the colon and causes bleeding and discomfort in the abdomen. Researchers aren't sure what triggers UC, but they have two strong possibilities. One theory is that the digestive system becomes inflamed when it tries to fight a virus. The inflammation therefore remains chronic. Some scientists also believe that heredity may play a role in the development of ulcerative colitis. However, most people with ulcerative colitis have no family history of it. It was believed that stress triggered UC, but the belief has been disproven. Symptoms of UC vary greatly depending on the specific location of the inflammation. Therefore, symptoms are classified into 5 categories depending on the location: In ulcerative proctitis, inflammation is limited to the area closest to the rectum and bleeding may be the only sign of the disease. Some people may experience mild rectal pain. Proctosigmoiditis involves the rectum and the lower end of the colon (sigmoid colon). Common symptoms of this form of UC are bloody diarrhea, inability to perform bowel movements known as tenesmus, and abdominal pain. In left-sided colitis the inflammation occurs in the rectum through the sigmoid colon and descending colon, located on the left side of the colon. abdomen. The most common symptoms include bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain concentrated on the left side, and unintentional weight loss. Pancolitis is an inflammation of the entire colon. Symptom... half the sheet......g alone. Steroids are gradually tapered and immune system suppressing drugs take over. Side effects may include allergic reactions, bone marrow suppression, infections, and inflammation of the liver and pancreas. Cyclosporine, infliximab, and adalimumab are used in people with severe ulcerative colitis who do not respond to other drugs. Side effects are serious and include kidney damage, seizures and life-threatening infections. Some people are at risk of developing cancer with these types of drugs. In rare cases, when a patient does not respond to drug treatment or diet and lifestyle changes, surgery may be necessary. Doctors will remove part or all of the colon in an attempt to stop the condition. Surgical interventions for ulcerative colitis are generally successful but significantly reduce the quality of life because the patient must deal with frequent stools due to the absence of the colon.