Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the colon and rectum. The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder, in which the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. Risk factors for developing ulcerative colitis include genetics, environmental factors, and an abnormal immune response. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis include abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and weight loss, and treatment involves medications to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms, as well as in severe cases, surgery to remove the affected colon.

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