Ulcerative colitis | University of Maryland Medical Center

Description

An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of ulcerative colitis.

Inflammatory bowel disease - ulcerative colitis; Colitis - ulcerative

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are inflammatory bowel diseases. All inflammatory bowel diseases cause chronic inflammation in the digestive system. Ulcerative colitis occurs only in the inner lining of the large intestine whereas Crohn's disease extends into deeper areas of the intestinal wall and can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract (digestive system).

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact causes of ulcerative colitis are unknown.

Genetics plays some role. Between 10 - 20% of people with ulcerative colitis have family members with the disease.

Ulcerative colitis is diagnosed most often in people ages 15 - 35.

Ulcerative colitis is more common among whites than people of other races. Jewish people of Eastern European (Ashkenazi) descent have a higher than average risk for developing this disease.

Link:
Ulcerative colitis | University of Maryland Medical Center