Colitis and ulcerative colitis are similar conditions, but they differ significantly in terms of what causes them and the impact they can have on your health. Colitis is a general term for colon inflammation, which can be triggered by infections, blood flow issues, certain medications, or allergic reactions, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Ulcerative colitis is a specific chronic condition classified under inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), marked by persistent inflammation and ulcers in the colon and rectum, typically resulting in more intense symptoms.