Author
Home > Health > What is the Difference Between Colitis and Ulcerative Colitis?

Guilherme Mazui

•4 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Colitis and Ulcerative Colitis?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The main difference between colitis and ulcerative colitis is the trigger. Colitis describes inflammation in the large intestine, and it can result from various causes, such as infections or medication use. Ulcerative colitis (UC), on the other hand, is a type of colitis that usually stems from an autoimmune reaction, where the body's immune system attacks healthy tissue in the large intestine.

Some key differences between colitis and ulcerative colitis include:

  • Causes: UC is generally caused by an autoimmune reaction, while other types of colitis may result from infections or medication use.
  • Duration: UC is a chronic condition, while other types of colitis may be acute or temporary.
  • Symptoms: Although both conditions can cause inflammation in the colon, UC often involves additional symptoms such as watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fatigue.
  • Treatment: The treatment for colitis depends on the specific cause, while UC treatment typically involves medications to reduce inflammation and symptoms.

There are several subtypes of colitis, including ulcerative colitis, lymphocytic colitis, and collagenous colitis. Each subtype may have different causes and symptoms, but they often overlap. It is essential to consult a doctor for a definitive diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Colitis and Ulcerative Colitis?
  • Comparative Table: Colitis vs Ulcerative Colitis

    • Comparative Table: Colitis vs Ulcerative Colitis

    Here is a table comparing the differences between colitis and ulcerative colitis:

    Feature Colitis Ulcerative Colitis
    Definition Inflammation of the colon A type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) where an overactive immune response causes inflammation and ulcers in the colon
    Affected Area Can occur anywhere in the digestive tract Limited to the colon, usually starting at the rectum and extending upwards in a continuous manner
    Inflammation Patchy, with discrete ulcerations separated by segments of normal-appearing mucosa Uniform and diffuse, confined to the mucosa except in severe cases
    Rectum Involvement Rectum is often spared Rectum is invariably involved
    Colonic Involvement Usually right-sided Usually left-sided
    Fistulas Common Rare
    Perianal Lesions Significant in 25–35% of cases Significant in 0–5% of cases
    Microscopic Inflammation Extends transmurally; lesions are often highly focal in distribution Confined to mucosa except in severe cases
    Granulomas Epithelioid granulomas detected in bowel wall or lymph nodes in 25–50% of cases Typical epithelioid granulomas do not occur
    Causes Exact cause unknown, but believed to involve genetics, an overactive immune system, and the microbiome Exact cause unknown, but believed to involve genetics, an overactive immune system, and the microbiome

    Please note that colitis is a broader term referring to inflammation of the colon, while ulcerative colitis is a specific type of colitis that is part of IBD.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of SĂŁo Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.