| Category | Intestinal Disorders |
Ulcerative colitis causes irritation and ulcers in the colon. It belongs to a group of disorders called inflammatory bowel disease. It often causes bloody diarrhea, cramping, and urinary urgency. Sometimes these symptoms can also wake a person at night to go to the bathroom.
Ulcerative colitis inflammation usually starts in the rectum, which is near the anus. The inflammation can spread and affect all or part of the colon. When inflammation occurs in the rectum and lower colon, it is called ulcerative proctitis. If the entire colon is affected, it is called pancolitis. When only the left side of the colon is affected, it is called limited or distal colitis.
