Warning Signs and Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with lifelong symptoms and severity changing over time. Unfortunately, it has no known cure yet and can impact quality of life.

Being well-informed and having the correct tools are the keys to managing this disease, increasing the likelihood and length of remission. To learn more – especially about the early signs and symptoms – search online and read on.

What is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a life-long condition that causes inflammation and ulcers (sores) in the inner lining of the colon and rectum. Generally, it begins in the rectum and moves into the lower colon, sometimes spreading throughout the entire colon. While much of why the condition develops is unknown, it is the result of an overactive immune response.

There are four types of ulcerative colitis:

• Ulcerative proctitis, which only affects the area by the rectum.
• Proctosigmoiditis, which affects the rectum and lower portion of the colon.
• Left-sided colitis, which affects the left side of the colon beginning at the rectum.
• Pancolitis, which affects the entire large intestine.

Known Causes and Risk Factors

The cause of ulcerative colitis is somewhat puzzling and still not fully understood. However, generally inflammatory bowel diseases are caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, and an overactive immune system.

Genetics are thought to play a role. It’s common to see more than one immediate family member suffering from ulcerative colitis or a related inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s.

Environmental factors may also increase a person’s chance of developing the condition, including:

• Smoking
• Heavy use of antibiotics
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• History of appendicitis
• Poor diet or food intolerances

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms vary from person to person. The intensity and frequency may also differ depending on the severity and location of the disease. Some people experience occasional symptoms, while others suffer daily.

Common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain and cramps
• Frequent or unexpected urge to have a bowel movement
• Diarrhea
• Blood or mucus in stool
• Rectal pain or bleeding
• Fatigue
• Weight loss or loss of appetite
• Fever

Treatment Options

There are a variety of standard treatment options, which are used depending on what symptoms a person is experiencing and the severity of their case. Three common treatments include lifestyle changes, medication and in severe cases, surgery.

Lifestyle Changes

Some foods trigger or worsen symptoms. Doctors sometimes encourage that a patient keeps a food log to help uncover what foods are triggering.

Foods that commonly don’t agree with those with ulcerative colitis include:

• Milk, cheese, yogurt and other dairy products
• Caffeine (coffee, tea, cola, chocolate)
• Alcohol
• Whole grain or multigrain breads, cereals and pasta
• Fatty or fried food
• Red meat
• High fiber foods, including legumes
• Certain raw vegetables including broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage
• Artificial sweeteners, food coloring and flavoring
• Spicy foods
• Refined sugar

Medication

Medications will not cure ulcerative colitis, but it is a very common treatment option and is employed in most cases.

Common types include:

• Aminosalicylates: Anti-inflammatory drugs used to decrease and hold off inflammation in the walls of the intestine.
• Corticosteroids: Block the body’s inflammatory immune response.
• Immunomodulators: Regulate the body’s immune response to reduce autoimmune activity.
• Biological therapies: A range of newly developed treatments designed to modulate immunity by blocking white blood cell activity.

Common medications that help reduce symptoms:

• Acetaminophen for pain
• Antidiarrheals
• Anti-spasmodics
• Antibiotics for bacterial infections

Surgery

Sometimes surgery is recommended in severe cases or for patients who don’t see changes from lifestyle changes and medication. It’s also an option when there is a high risk of colon cancer. Have a discussion with your physician about what options are best for you and your specific case.

Talk To Your Doctor

If you suspect that you may have ulcerative colitis, contact your doctor for testing. Together, you can determine the best course of treatment and come up with a management plan that will help you continue to live a long, healthy life.