Ulcerative ColitisMedical Author:
Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM
Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEMDr. Ben Wedro practices emergency medicine at Gundersen Clinic, a regional trauma center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. His background includes undergraduate and medical studies at the University of Alberta, a Family Practice internship at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario and residency training in Emergency Medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical EditorMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
Ulcerative Colitis OverviewUlcerative colitis (UC) is an acute or chronic inflammation of the membrane lining the colon (the large intestine or bowel). Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and sores (ulcers), in the top layers of the lining of the large intestine. Ulcerative colitis rarely affects the small intestine except for the lower section, called the ileum. The inflammation makes the colon empty frequently, causing diarrhea. Ulcers form in places where the inflammation has killed the cells linking the colon. The ulcers bleed and produce pus and mucus. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis include abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, the recurrent urge to have a bowel movement (tenesmus), lack of appetite, fever, and fatigue. Abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloody bowel movements are the hallmark of the disease. Ulcerative colitis is one of the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), the other is Crohn's disease.
Viewer Comments & ReviewsUlcerative Colitis - Symptoms ExperiencedThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:For ulcerative colitis, what were the symptoms and signs you experienced? Ulcerative Colitis - SymptomsThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What treatment has been effective for your ulcerative colitis? |
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Ulcerative Colitis
Skin Abscess Overview
A skin abscess is a localized collection of pus that generally develops in response to infection or to the presence of other foreign materials under the skin. An abscess is typically painful, and it appears as a swollen area that is warm to the touch. The skin surrounding an abscess typically appears pink or red.
Abscesses can develop in many parts of the body, but they usually involve the skin surface. Skin abscesses are often referred to as boils. Common sites affected include the armpits, groin, rectal area (perirectal abscess), the external vaginal area (Bartholin's abscess), and along the tailbone (pilonidal abscess). Inflammation surrounding hair follicles or sweat glands can lead to the formation of abscesses, as well. Abscesses can also affect the brain, kidneys, liver (hepatic abscess), lungs, breast, neck, teeth (dental abscess), and tonsils (peritonsillar abscess).
Unlike other infections, antibiotics alone will not t...
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Ulcerative Colitis »
Ulcerative colitis (UC)is an idiopathic chronicinflammatory disorder limited to the colon.
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