Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that is located in the colon, usually starting from the rectum. Inflammation occurs in the innermost lining of the intestinal wall and is a continuous stretch within the colon.
Symptoms of ulcerative colitis include:
- Bloody diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Fatigue
Prevalence of ulcerative colitis
According to the GI Society, approximately 104,000 Canadians are living with ulcerative colitis and 4,500 Canadians are newly diagnosed each year.