Colitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the colon, which is the large intestine. This inflammation can lead to various symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. There are different types of colitis, with the two main categories being ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Ulcerative colitis primarily affects the inner lining of the colon and rectum, while Crohn's disease can involve any part of the digestive tract. The exact cause of colitis is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors.