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  1. UAMS Health
  2. Conditions
  3. Ulcerative Colitis

Condition: Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a disease that causes inflammation and sores, called ulcers, in the lining of the rectum and colon. It is one of a group of diseases called inflammatory bowel disease.

UC can happen at any age, but it usually starts between the ages of 15 and 30. It tends to run in families. The most common symptoms are pain in the abdomen and blood or pus in diarrhea. Other symptoms may include:

  • Anemia
  • Severe tiredness
  • Weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Bleeding from the rectum
  • Sores on the skin
  • Joint pain
  • Growth failure in children

About half of people with UC have mild symptoms.

Doctors use blood tests, stool tests, colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, and imaging tests to diagnose UC. Several types of drugs can help control it. Some people have long periods of remission, when they are free of symptoms. In severe cases, doctors must remove the colon.

NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Courtesy of MedlinePlus from the National Library of Medicine.

Syndicated Content Details:
Source URL: https://medlineplus.gov/ulcerativecolitis.html?utm_source=mplusconnect&utm_medium=service
Source Agency: National Library of Medicine

Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disorder that affects the digestive system. This condition is characterized by abnormal inflammation of the inner surface (epithelium) of the rectum and colon. The rectum and colon make up most of the length of the large intestine. The inflammation usually causes open sores (ulcers) to develop in the large intestine. Ulcerative colitis usually appears between the age of 15 and 30, although it can develop at any age. The inflammation tends to flare up multiple times throughout a person's life, which causes recurring signs and symptoms.

The most common symptoms of ulcerative colitis are cramping abdominal pain and frequent diarrhea, often with blood, pus, or mucus in the stool. Other signs and symptoms include nausea, loss of appetite, bowel urgency, fatigue, and fevers. Chronic bleeding from the inflamed and ulcerated intestinal tissue can cause a shortage of red blood cells (anemia) in some affected individuals. People with this disorder have difficulty absorbing enough fluids and nutrients from their diet and often experience weight loss. Affected children usually grow more slowly than normal. Less commonly, ulcerative colitis causes problems with the skin, joints, eyes, kidneys, or liver, which are most likely due to abnormal inflammation.

Toxic megacolon is a rare complication of ulcerative colitis that can be life-threatening. Toxic megacolon involves a widening (dilation) of the colon and an overwhelming inflammatory response. Ulcerative colitis also increases the risk of developing colon cancer, especially in people whose entire colon is inflamed and in those who have had ulcerative colitis for 8 years or more.

Ulcerative colitis is one common form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Another type of IBD, Crohn's disease, also causes chronic inflammation of the intestines. Unlike ulcerative colitis, which affects only the inner surface of the large intestine, Crohn's disease can cause inflammation in any part of the digestive system, and the inflammation extends deeper into the intestinal tissue.

Courtesy of MedlinePlus from the National Library of Medicine.

Syndicated Content Details:
Source URL: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/ulcerative-colitis?utm_source=mplusconnect&utm_medium=service
Source Agency: National Library of Medicine

Contents

  • Treatments & Procedures
  • Providers
  • Locations
  • Make an Appointment

Treatments and Procedures Related to Ulcerative Colitis

UAMS Health providers perform and prescribe a broad range of treatments and procedures, some of which may not be listed below.

  • Colon and Rectal Surgery

Providers Diagnosing or Treating Ulcerative Colitis

Note that every provider listed below may not perform or prescribe all treatments or procedures related to Ulcerative Colitis. Review each provider for availability.

Filter the Providers


Mohammad M. Alomari, M.D.

Mohammad M. Alomari, M.D. Gastroenterologist

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Travis D. Ayers, M.D.

Travis D. Ayers, M.D. Pediatric Gastroenterologist

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Jamie A. Cannon, M.D.

Jamie A. Cannon, M.D. Colorectal Surgeon

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Jonathan A. Laryea, M.D.

Jonathan A. Laryea, M.D. Colorectal Surgeon

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Carmen T. Paniagua, CNP

Carmen T. Paniagua, CNP Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

View Profile

Locations Where Providers Treat Ulcerative Colitis

Note that the treatment of Ulcerative Colitis may not be performed at every location listed below. The list may include locations where the treatment plan is developed during and after a patient visit.

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Exterior of Outpatient Center

Gastroenterology Clinic

4110 Outpatient Circle
Outpatient Center
Suite 3160
Little Rock, AR 72205

Appointment Phone Number
501-603-1900
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions
Exterior of Outpatient Center

Specialty Pharmacy (Part of the Outpatient Pharmacy)

4110 Outpatient Circle
Outpatient Center
Suite 1200
Little Rock, AR 72205

General Information
501-686-5100
View Location Get Directions

Make an Appointment

Request an appointment by contacting a clinic directly or by calling the UAMS Health appointment line at (501) 686-8000.

UAMS Health LogoUAMS HealthUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Mailing Address: 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 686-7000
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