Disease information

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an autoimmune disease of the gastrointestinal tract. The disease affects the innermost lining or mucosa of the colon and rectum as continuous areas of inflammation and ulceration. Symptoms include blood mixed diarrhoea and abdominal pain of variable severity and periodicities. More severe symptoms include abnormal dilation of the colon, inflammation of distal sites, and colon cancer. A combination of genetic factors, host immune system disorders, and environmental factors have been demonstrated to contribute to UC pathogenesis. Recently, the role of the intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis and treatment of UC has become an interesting and fruitful avenue for research.

Wikipedia - Ulcerative colitis

Mayo clinic - Ulcerative colitis