Colitis, Ulcerative

Synonyms

• Chronic Non-Specific Ulcerative Colitis
• Colitis Gravis
• Idiopathic Non-Specific Ulcerative Colitis
• Proctocolitis, Idiopathic
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Ulcerative Colitis Type

Disorder Subdivisions

• None

General Discussion

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) of unknown cause. It is characterized by chronic inflammation and ulceration of the lining of the major portion of the large intestine (colon). In most affected individuals, the lowest region of the large intestine, known as the rectum, is initially affected. As the disease progresses, some or all of the colon may become involved. Although associated symptoms and findings usually become apparent during adolescence or young adulthood, some individuals may experience an initial episode between age 50 to 70. In other cases, symptom onset may occur as early as the first year of life.

Ulcerative colitis is usually a chronic disease with repeated episodes of symptoms and remission (relapsing-remitting). However, some affected individuals may have few episodes, whereas others may have severe, continuous symptoms. During an episode, affected individuals may experience attacks of watery diarrhea that may contain pus, blood, and/or mucus; abdominal pain; fever and chills; weight loss; and/or other symptoms and findings. In severe cases, individuals may be at risk for certain serious complications. For example, severe inflammation and ulceration may result in thinning of the wall of the colon, causing tearing (perforation) of the colon and potentially life-threatening complications. In addition, in some cases, individuals with the disorder may eventually develop more generalized (systemic) symptoms, such as certain inflammatory skin or eye conditions; inflammation, pain, and swelling of certain joints (arthritis); chronic inflammation of the liver (chronic active hepatitis); and/or other findings.

The specific underlying cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown. However, genetic, immunologic, infectious, and/or psychologic factors are thought to play some causative role.

Resources

Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America
386 Park Avenue South
17th Floor
New York, NY 10016-9804
USA
Tel: 2126853440
Fax: 2127794098
Tel: 8009322423
Email: info@ccfa.org
Internet: http://www.ccfa.org

NIH/National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
2 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3570
Tel: (301)654-3810
Fax: (301)907-8906
Tel: (800)891-5389
Email: nddic@info.niddk.nih.gov
Internet: http://www.niddk.nih.gov

International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
P.O. Box 170864
Milwaukee, WI 53217
USA
Tel: 4149641799
Fax: 4149647176
Tel: 8889642001
Email: iffgd@iffgd.org
Internet: http://www.iffgd.org

Gastro-Intestinal Research Foundation
70 East Lake Street
Suite 1015
Chicago, IL 60601-5907
Tel: (312)332-1350
Fax: (312)332-4757
Email: girf@earthlink.net
Internet: http://www.girf.org

Reach Out for Youth with Ileitis and Colitis, Inc.
84 Northgate Circle
Melville, NY 11747
USA
Tel: 6312933102
Fax: 6312933103
Email: reachoutforyouth@reachoutforyouth.org
Internet: http://www.reachoutforyouth.org

Pediatric Crohn's & Colitis Association, Inc.
P.O. Box 188
Newton, MA 02468
Tel: (617)489-5854
Fax: (617)489-5854
Email: questions@pcca.hypermart.net
Internet: http://pcca.hypermart.net

Erythema Nodosum Yahoo Support Group

Internet: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/erythema_nodosum_Group/

Autoimmune Information Network, Inc
PO Box 4121
Brick, NJ 08723
Tel: (732)262-0450
Fax: (732)262-0450
Email: autoimmunehelp@aol.com
Internet: http://www.aininc.org

European Society for Immunodeficiencies (ESID)
c/o Dr. Esther de Vries
Jeroen Bosch Hospital
Dept. Paediatrics
P.O. Box 90153
Hertogenbosch, 5200 ME's
Netherlands
Tel: +31 73-6992965
Fax: +31 73-6992948
Email: info@esid.org
Internet: http://www.esid.org

For a Complete Report

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.

It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report.

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.

For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org

Last Updated: 11/10/2005
Copyright 1986, 1990, 1991, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2005 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.