Ulcerative Colitis

A chronic inflammation of the large intestine that results in ulceration of the intestinal lining.  Symptoms include Abdominal pain, weight loss, and diarrhea.  Severe cases also include fever.  Children with the disease may have delayed development.  There is also an increased risk of colon cancer.  Treatment is use of anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-diarrheals, and analgesics  for pain relief.  In severe cases, colectomy surgery may be performed.