Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease of the large intestine, in which the lining of the colon becomes inflamed and develops tiny open sores, or ulcers. This condition is the result of your immune system's overactive response.

What is the reason for ulcerative colitis?

In ulcerative colitis, a leading theory is that the immune system mistakes "friendly bacteria" in the colon, which aid digestion, as a harmful infection, leading to the colon and rectum becoming inflamed.

Is ulcerative colitis acute or chronic?

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon and rectum that typically presents with rectal bleeding, diarrhoea, tenesmus and sometimes low abdominal pain. Peak incidences occur between the age of 15 and 45 years.