Colitis, along with Crohn’s disease, is one of the two better known forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Colitis, also know as uncreative colitis, is a disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the colon and rectum. Sores, or ulcers, form where the inflammation has killed the cells that normally line the colon. These ulcers bleed and produce pus. The inflammation also may result in frequent emptying of the bowel, or diarrhea.

Ulcerative colitis affects more than 500,000 Americans. It affects men and women equally and can occur at any age, however, it normally starts between the ages of 15 and 30. Ulcerative colitis also appears to be hereditary as there are reports of up to 20 percent of people with ulcerative colitis having a family member or relative with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.

The most common symptoms of ulcerative colitis are severe abdominal pain and cramping, bloody diarrhea, and the sudden, uncontrollable urge for bowel movements. Symptoms may also include anemia, fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss, joint pain and skin lesions.

The cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, but research suggests that it is related to an abnormality in the immune system. It is believed that the immune system reacts abnormally to bacteria that exist in the digestive tract.

Treatment for ulcerative colitis depends on the severity of the disease. Treatments range from drug therapies to reduce the inflammation, relieve pain, control diarrhea and eliminate infection. Other treatments include hospitalization and surgery.