Ulcerative colitis

      BM has been admitted with an episode of acute severe ulcerative colitis. This is her third flare this year. This time she has a 5-day history of bloody diarrhoea with abdominal pain. On average, her stool frequency is seven times a day.   Describe the aetiology and pathophysiology of ulcerative colitis and the diagnostic tools available. You are also required to discuss agents available for the treatment/management of ulcerative colitis, with reference to the pharmacological basis for their therapeutic effects. Lastly, you need to propose reasonable management strategies for BM (e.g. medication and required counselling).