Ulcerative Colitis Commonly Affects The Colon And Rectum

Ulcerative colitis primarily affects the colon and rectum, as its name suggests, with inflammation typically occurring in the large intestine. When the disease is localized to the rectum, it is specifically referred to as ulcerative proctitis. Although this is a specific type of ulcerative colitis, it is often still generally categorized under the broader term "ulcerative colitis (rectal)."

Different types of ulcerative colitis are classified based on location. If the inflammation occurs in the sigmoid colon, it is known as sigmoid colitis. When it affects the descending colon, it is classified as left-sided colitis. In some cases, the inflammation can extend into the transverse colon, which is called pancolitis or total colitis. These classifications help doctors determine the extent and severity of the disease.

Comparing ulcerative colitis with Crohn's disease, another form of inflammatory bowel disease, shows a key difference in the areas affected. While ulcerative colitis is limited to the colon and rectum, Crohn's disease most commonly affects the terminal ileum — the area where the small intestine meets the large intestine. However, Crohn's disease can occur anywhere along the digestive tract, including the duodenum and small intestine.

Diagnosis and classification of ulcerative colitis involve multiple factors, such as disease progression and severity. It can be classified as initial onset, relapsing, acute, or remission phases. Additionally, the condition may be mild, moderate, or severe depending on symptoms and mucosal damage. Location-based subtypes include left-sided colitis, pancolitis, and sigmoid-proctitis type, all of which influence treatment strategies and patient management.