US Medical Term · conditions
Ulcerative Colitis
Colitis ulcerosa
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Ulcerative Colitis |
| Spanish (Español) | Colitis ulcerosa |
| Chinese (中文) | 潰瘍性結腸炎 |
| Korean (한국어) | 궤양성 대장염 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Viêm loét đại tràng |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Ulcerative Colitis |
| Portuguese (Português) | Colite ulcerativa |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ลำไส้ใหญ่อักเสบเป็นแผล |
| Japanese (日本語) | 潰瘍性大腸炎 |
What it means
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes long-lasting inflammation and ulcers in the innermost lining of the large intestine and rectum. It is characterized by periods of flare-ups and remission. Symptoms include diarrhea often with blood or pus, abdominal cramps and pain, rectal pain and bleeding, urgency to defecate, fatigue, and weight loss. The exact cause is unclear but involves an abnormal immune response. Treatment includes anti-inflammatory medications, immunosuppressants, and biologics to control inflammation. In severe or treatment-resistant cases, surgery to remove the colon can be curative. Long-term monitoring is recommended to screen for colon cancer.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I have ulcerative colitis and am experiencing a bad flare with bloody diarrhea.
Tengo colitis ulcerosa y estoy sufriendo un brote fuerte con diarrea con sangre.
What medications can help put my ulcerative colitis into remission?
¿Qué medicamentos pueden ayudar a que mi colitis ulcerosa entre en remisión?
How often do I need a colonoscopy to check for colon cancer with ulcerative colitis?
¿Con qué frecuencia necesito una colonoscopía para buscar cáncer de colon con colitis ulcerosa?
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
K51 Ulcerative colitisRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026