Nonspecific Ulcerative Colitis

Abstract

Evidence suggests that nonspecific ulcerative colitis is a systemic disease, probably associated with some type of hypersensitivity reaction. The pathologic process in the early phases remains obscure, and there probably are several modes of onset producing different initial lesions. Diagnosis may be difficult but usually can be made by careful examination of stools, sigmoidoscopy and roentgenography. Treatment, although greatly improved since the introduction of antibiotics, chemotherapeutic agents, steroids and better surgical technics, is not entirely satisfactory. Control or cure of the disease awaits greater understanding of its mechanism.