Ulcerative colitis is a long-term condition in which the colon and rectum become inflamed and ulcerated. The cause is unknown, but it is thought to be an autoimmune disorder. Symptoms are often intermittent, with months or even years when there are few or no symptoms.
Symptoms may include recurrent diarrhea, sometimes containing blood, mucus, or pus; abdominal cramps; tiredness; loss of appetite; weight loss; and sometimes fever and abdominal swelling.
Treatment with medication, such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, can often relieve symptoms and prevent problems from developing.
In severe cases, treatment is with surgery to remove the diseased part of the intestine.