Final answer:
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the colon and rectum. Symptoms include abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea, with increased colon cancer risk. Diagnosis is made through colonoscopy and biopsies, and treatment may involve lifestyle changes, medication, and possibly surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by inflammation and the formation of ulcers in the colon and rectum. It is part of a group of diseases called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which also includes Crohn's disease. While Crohn's disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, ulcerative colitis is usually confined to the colon and rectum.
The symptoms of ulcerative colitis include lower abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, weight loss, fever, and anemia. These symptoms may come and go, with periods of remission in between. The disease is associated with an increased risk of colon cancer, with screening recommended more often than for the general population.
Although the exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, it is believed to involve a combination of immune system dysfunction, genetics, and environmental factors such as diet and alcohol consumption. Diagnosis is often made via colonoscopy and tissue biopsies.
To manage ulcerative colitis, lifestyle changes and various medications are recommended, and in severe cases, surgery may be required.