What Is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a type of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that results from an abnormal immune response. It primarily affects the innermost lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum, causing inflammation and ulcers.

The condition typically presents with symptoms such as mucus-filled or bloody diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and urgency to have a bowel movement. In some cases, patients may also experience fatigue, weight loss, and fever, especially during flare-ups.

One of the key diagnostic tools for identifying ulcerative colitis is colonoscopy. During this procedure, doctors can observe the extent and severity of mucosal damage, which often appears continuous without healthy segments in between. A notable feature is the loss of normal vascular patterns and a tendency for the tissue to bleed easily, sometimes even spontaneously during the exam.

Based on the location and spread of the disease, ulcerative colitis can be classified into several types: proctitis (limited to the rectum), proctosigmoiditis (affecting the rectum and sigmoid colon), left-sided colitis (involving the left side of the colon), and pancolitis (which affects the entire colon).

In terms of disease course, ulcerative colitis alternates between periods of active disease (flare-ups) and times of remission. Accurate diagnosis involves evaluating clinical symptoms, physical findings, laboratory tests, and most importantly, ruling out infectious causes through stool analysis and culture.

Early detection and proper management are essential in helping patients achieve and maintain remission while improving overall quality of life.