Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammation of the large intestine (colon). The cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown however there are many theories which researchers are exploring. One popular theory states that the colon is a muscle which like any other muscle needs to be worked to maintain its strength and elasticity. Naturopathic doctors often suggest that eating fiber in the diet is the best means of maintaining this elasticity in the colon. They contend that in its absence the colon will atrophy causing many degenerative conditions.



Four common types of colon disease are the development of polyps, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and biventricular disease. Roughly 40% of people with a colon disease, called ulcerative colitis, ultimately die of colon cancer.

Inflammation is the body's response to infection or irritation.

Inflammation of a body area is labeled by adding the suffix "-itis" to the body part. Colitis is in effect the internal swelling of the colon. Colitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the membrane lining the large bowel. The usual treatment of colitis with suppressive drugs is based on the assumption that colitis is due to germ infection, which it is not. Colitis is sometimes caused by infections with viruses, parasites, or bacteria. Crohn's disease produces the main ulcerative sites in the ileum, especially in young people, while ulcerative colitis is mainly confined to the rectal area. Collagenous colitis is most often diagnosed in people between 60 and 80 years of age.

In colitis the colon loses some of its ability to absorb water. If enough damage occurs to the lining, the result is the passage of bloody stools, mucus, and even the appearance of tissue. Treatment for ulcerative colitis depends on the seriousness of the disease.

Symptoms of ulcerative colitis usually include abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhea as well as blood in the stools. In severe cases of ulcerative colitis, when diarrhea is frequent, symptoms may include fever, loss of appetite, weight loss and weakness. If ulcerative colitis is not treated, surgery may be necessary.

The diagnosis of ulcerative colitis is based on a combination of endoscopic exams, X-rays and blood and tissue tests. These tests may be as important in ruling out other conditions as in making a definitive diagnosis of collagenous colitis or lymphocytic colitis.

The diagnosis of ulcerative colitis is made by ruling out other causes of diarrhea and assessing the results of these tests. The diagnosis of ulcerative colitis can be made by flexible sigmoidoscopy, since the rectum is virtually always inflamed.