What does colitis refer to?

Colitis specifically refers to inflammation of the colon, which is a critical component of the large intestine. The condition can result from various factors, including infections, inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, and ischemia, among others. Understanding that colitis indicates an inflammatory process helps clarify its symptoms, which can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and sometimes rectal bleeding. This inflammation can disrupt the normal function of the colon and may require dietary changes, medication, or other interventions to manage the condition effectively. The other options do not define colitis correctly; they pertain to different medical conditions affecting various parts of the digestive system.