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Ulcerative colitis - Overview

Alternative Names

Inflammatory bowel disease - ulcerative colitis; IBD - ulcerative colitis

Definition of Ulcerative colitis:

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the large intestine (colon) and rectum.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown. It may affect any age group, although there are peaks at ages 15 - 30 and then again at ages 50 - 70.

The disease usually begins in the rectal area and may eventually extend through the entire large intestine. Repeated swelling (inflammation) leads to thickening of the wall of the intestine and rectum with scar tissue. Death of colon tissue or sepsis (severe infection) may occur with severe disease.

The symptoms vary in severity and may start slowly or suddenly. Many factors can lead to attacks, including respiratory infections or physical stress.

Risk factors include a family history of ulcerative colitis, or Jewish ancestry.

Colonoscopy

Digestive system

Ulcerative colitis

Reviewed last on: 10/18/2009
David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., and George F Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Graham L. AGA reviews the use of corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and infliximab in IBD. Am Fam Physician. 2007;75:410-412.

Moyer MS. Chronic ulcerative colitis in childhood. J Pediatr. 2006;148:325.

Fry RD, Mahmoud N, Maron DJ, Ross HM, Rombeau J. Colon and rectum. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 50.

Rutgeerts P, Vermeire S, Van Assche G. Biological therapies for inflammatory bowel diseases. Gastroenterology. 2009 Apr;136(4):1182-97. Epub 2009 Feb 26.

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