Colitis

Colitis is swelling (inflammation) of the large intestine (colon).

Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is categorized according to location. Proctitis involves only the rectum. Proctosigmoiditis affects the rectum and sigmoid colon. Left-sided colitis encompasses the entire left side of the large intestine. Pancolitis inflames the entire colon.

Large intestine (colon)

The large intestine is the portion of the digestive system most responsible for absorption of water from the indigestible residue of food. The ileocecal valve of the ileum (small intestine) passes material into the large intestine at the cecum. Material passes through the ascending, transverse, descending and sigmoid portions of the colon, and finally into the rectum. From the rectum, the waste is expelled from the body.

Crohn disease - X-ray

This lower abdominal X-ray shows narrowing (stenosis) of the end of the small intestine (ileum), caused by Crohn disease. Crohn disease typically affects the small intestine, whereas ulcerative colitis typically affects the large intestine. A solution containing a dye (barium), was swallowed by the patient. When it passed into the small intestines, this X-ray was taken (lower GI series).

Inflammatory bowel disease

Crohn disease, also called regional enteritis, is a chronic inflammation of the intestines which is usually confined to the terminal portion of the small intestine, the ileum. Ulcerative colitis is a similar inflammation of the colon, or large intestine. These and other IBDs (inflammatory bowel disease) have been linked with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

Large intestine

The large intestine (colon) absorbs most of the fluid from foods.

Causes

Symptoms

Exams and Tests

Treatment

Outlook (Prognosis)

Possible Complications

When to Contact a Medical Professional