Ulcerative colitis is an inflammation of the colon that typically starts in the rectum and spreads to the colon. It causes ulcers to form in the intestinal membranes and layers of the large intestine. The causes include stress, bacterial/viral infections, allergies, and autoimmune reactions. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea more than 20 times per day, weight loss, low grade fever, abdominal pain, lack of appetite, rectal bleeding, and abdominal cramping. Diagnostic tests include stool examination, abdominal x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and endoscopies. Complications can include hemorrhage, abscesses, anal fistulas, colon cancer, malnutrition, anemia, and rectal