Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that primarily affects the colon and rectum. It is characterized by the inflammation and ulceration of the innermost lining of the large intestine, leading to symptoms like persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramping, rectal bleeding, and urgency to defecate. The inflammation typically begins in the rectum and may extend continuously to affect the entire colon. The precise etiology of UC is unknown, but it is thought to result from an aberrant immune response to intestinal flora in genetically predisposed individuals, with environmental factors playing a contributory role.

The severity of symptoms can vary widely among patients, and the disease can have a relapsing-remitting pattern. Diagnosis is usually confirmed by colonoscopy and histological examination of colonic tissue samples. Management of UC involves the use of anti-inflammatory medications such as 5-aminosalicylic acid, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants, and biologic therapies targeting specific components of the immune response. Severe cases may require surgical intervention, including colectomy. Aside from the physical symptoms, UC may significantly impact a patient's quality of life and can be associated with extra-intestinal manifestations, including arthritis, skin disorders, and eye inflammation.