Casey Abrams Confirms Illness

Casey Abrams has finally confirmed the illness that sent him to the hospital last week and caused him to miss the American Idol results show.  Via Twitter, Casey wrote, "Just to let everyone know, I have ulcerative colitis. I'm always going to have it, but the symptoms are pretty much under control."  That's what had been reported, but this is the first time Casey himself had spoken about it.  Explaining why he decided to discuss his health, he wrote on Twitter, "I just thought people should know. I've been getting questions about it, so why not just get it out there, y'know?"

Click here for more on American Idol

Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease.  It's usually treated with anti-inflammatory drugs.

Image: Frank Micelotta / FOX

Provided by ABC News Radio