What is ulcerative colitis?

    Last Updated: October 25, 2023

    Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and ulcers in the mucosa of the digestive tract. These ulcers usually begin in the rectum and spread to other parts of the large intestine (colon). The symptoms of UC typically begin between the ages of 15 and 30.[1]