Ulcerative colitis
SpecialtyGastroenterology
SymptomsAbdominal pain, diarrhea mixed with blood, weight loss, fever, anemia
ComplicationsMegacolon, inflammation of the eye, joints, or liver, colon cancer
Usual onset15–30 years or > 60 years
DurationLong term
CausesUnknown
Diagnostic methodColonoscopy with tissue biopsies
Differential diagnosisDysentery, Crohn's disease, ischemic colitis
TreatmentDietary changes, medication, surgery
MedicationSulfasalazine, mesalazine, steroids, immunosuppressants such as azathioprine, biological therapy
FrequencyUp to 5 per 1000 people
Deaths47,400 together with Crohn's (2015)