Colitis

Colitis and the SCD

Colitis (also called ulcerative colitis) is an acute or chronic inflammation of the membrane lining the colon-your large intestine or bowel. Colitis causes inflammation and sores, called ulcers, in the top layers of the lining of the large intestine. Ulcerative colitis rarely affects the small intestine except for the lower section, called the ileum.

The inflammation makes the colon empty frequently, causing diarrhea. Ulcers form in places where the inflammation has killed colon lining cells. The ulcers bleed and produce pus and mucus. You may have abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, painful spasms (tenesmus), lack of appetite, fever, and fatigue.

* Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the general name for diseases that cause inflammation in the intestines. 

Ulcerative colitis can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to other intestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and to another type of IBD called Crohn disease (also called Crohn's disease). 

Another confusing condition called irritable bowel syndrome is not like either ulcerative colitis or Crohn disease. Irritable bowel syndrome is a common disorder of the intestine that leads to cramps, excessive production of gas, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. 

Colitis and SCD