Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and ulcers on the large intestine, specifically in the innermost lining. Symptoms tend to develop over time and might consist of diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, urgency to defecate, weight loss and fatigue. These symptoms generally flare up during particular time periods. The cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, but genetics appears to play a role in the development of the disease. Fortunately, there are now a variety of new ulcerative colitis medications as well as other treatment options available.

Crohn’s disease is another inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the end of the small bowel (the ileum), but it can affect other parts of the gastrointestinal tract as well. Crohn’s is sometimes confused with ulcerative colitis, which only impacts the innermost colon lining. Physicians do not know exactly what causes Crohn’s disease, but it does tend to run in families and typically starts between ages 15 and 35. Symptoms of Crohn’s can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding and weight loss. Although there is no cure, the condition can be managed with medications, bowel rest and surgery.