Ulcerative Colitis

Bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, urgency, tenesmus, weight loss, fatigue, fever, joint pain

Autoimmune inflammation of colon mucosa (continuous from rectum upward); genetic and environmental factors

Aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, biologics, colectomy for severe/refractory cases

Monitor bowel movements, bleeding; educate on medications; provide nutritional support; monitor for toxic megacolon; emotional support

Source: NHS Scotland. For educational purposes only.