Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes irritation, swelling, and sores (ulcers) on the inner lining of the colon. This is due to attacks on the colon by the immune system.
UC often begins gradually and becomes worse over time. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis depend on the type of ulcerative colitis a person has and the severity of their disease.
Dr. Khaitov is a surgeon specializing in colon and rectal surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital.
Dr. Linden is a gastroenterologist based in New York City and a clinical instructor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Langone Health.
References
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. (n.d.). Types of ulcerative colitis.
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. (n.d.). What is ulcerative colitis?
Lynch W. D., et al. (2022). Ulcerative colitis. StatPearls.
MedlinePlus. (2016). Ulcerative colitis.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (n.d.). Ulcerative colitis.
Peppercorn, M. A., et al. (2023). Patient education: Ulcerative colitis (beyond the basics). UpToDate.
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