Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Ulcerative Colitis Signs and Symptoms

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease, which is estimated to affect around one million people in the United States. People who live with ulcerative colitis can experience long periods of remission if they manage their condition properly with diet, lifestyle and medication. However, ulcerative colitis flare-ups can be debilitating when they occur. Many patients report that the disease has a serious, negative impact on their quality of life.

To learn more about this disease, read on and continue your search online.

What Is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is the most common inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is caused by an overactive immune system, which leads immune cells to attack the lining of the gut. People who live with ulcerative colitis experience extreme food sensitivity, uncomfortable inflammation and painful sores in the lining of the colon.

Ulcerative colitis is categorized depending on how it presents. The main types of ulcerative colitis are:

• Ulcerative proctitis: Inflammation is limited to the rectum
• Left-sided colitis: Inflammation begins in the rectum and may extend as far as the first bend in the colon
• Extensive colitis: This severe form of ulcerative colitis affects the entire colon

Causes and Risk Factors

Ulcerative colitis is aggravated by diet, stress and other lifestyle factors, though the exact cause of the disease is unknown. Experts have identified the following risk factors that increase a person’s likelihood of developing ulcerative colitis:

• A family history of inflammatory bowel diseases
• Food intolerance or sensitivity
• Being of Ashkenazi Jewish descent (Caucasians are also high-risk)

Signs and Symptoms

Most ulcerative colitis symptoms are gastrointestinal. They include:

• Urgently needing to move ones bowels
• Diarrhea
• Loose stools
• Blood in the stool
• Abdominal cramps
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating

Severe ulcerative colitis flare-ups can also cause:

• Mouth ulcers
• Skin irritation and redness
• Irritated eyes
• Fever
• Shortness of breath

Treatment Options

Ulcerative colitis cannot be cured but it can be managed with medical treatment. Common treatments include:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Immunosuppressants
• Anti-spasmodic drugs (to ease cramping)
• Surgery to remove part of the colon (only in very severe cases)
• Soft, bland diet

Seek Advice From Your Doctor

Ulcerative colitis is a serious condition which many patients find affects their confidence and overall quality of life. If you are suffering with any of the main symptoms outlined in this article, talk to your doctor about the issue. They will be able to identify the cause and suggest appropriate treatments.

Seeking advice from a dietician can also be useful for people living with ulcerative colitis, as they will help you identify and avoid dietary triggers.