Colitis is a general term for disorders involving the lower intestine, or colon. The most severe,
ulcerative colitis, is
often called inflammatory bowel disease, a name also applied to Crohn disease.
Ulcerative colitis produces ulcers in the colon's inner lining and can eventually lead to arthritis and liver, skin, and eye damage. It may also increase the risk of developing colon and rectal cancers. The cause remains uncertain, but suggestions range from an autoimmune response to microbial agents to environmental and genetic linkages.
Symptoms include abdominal pain, a frequent and urgent need to move the bowels, fever, muscle aches, and appetite loss. Drugs used in treatment include steroids and sulfasalazine.
Irritable bowel syndrome, which can cause some of the same symptoms as colitis, is now known to be a separate condition.