Ulcerative colitis is a disease of the digestive tract that causes chronic inflammation and ulceration, particularly in the lower colon and rectum. Though the cause is not known, doctors and researchers do believe the condition is an abnormal immune response to healthy bacteria in the gut. Most people with ulcerative colitis experience ‘waves’ of attacks, in which symptoms become severe and then subside. A small percentage of individuals, however, will experience nearly chronic symptoms. While there is no cure, treatment is important for people with this disease, as unmanaged symptoms can lead to life threatening complications and debilitating discomfort.