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Ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis
Large intestine
Large intestine


Colitis

Treatment:

Treatment is directed at the underlying cause of disease, whether it be infection, inflammation, lack of blood flow, or another cause.

See particular conditions listed above for specific recommendations.



Expectations (prognosis):

The prognosis varies with each disease. See particular conditions listed above.



Complications:

Colitis may result in bleeding, ulceration, perforation (a hole in the colon), or toxic megacolon.



Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms like abdominal pain, abdominal distention, or blood in the stool.




Review Date: 5/4/2006
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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