Menu Healthy Lifestyle Diseases & Conditions First Aid Symptoms Tests & Procedures Videos Definitions FAQs Ulcerative colitisUpdated: 2017-06-13OverviewUlcerative colitis is a chronic, inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation in the digestive tract, usually only the innermost lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. Forms range from mild to severe.SymptomsSymptoms include rectal bleeding, bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and pain.TreatmentsTreatment includes medications and surgery. © 1998-2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research(MFMER). All rights reserved. Terms of Use