Ulcerative colitis is a form of chronic inflammatory bowel disease. It causes inflammation and sores to develop on the inner lining of the colon and rectum.
The symptoms of ulcerative colitis may vary from person to person, they include:
- Diarrhea (which may or may not be bloody)
- Pus in the stools
- Nausea
- Abdominal cramping
- Abdominal pain
- Feeling the need to poop (even though your bowels are already empty)
- An urgent need to have a bowel movement
- Fever
- Weight loss
People living with ulcerative colitis are at risk of developing complications or further health problems, such as:
- Osteoporosis
- Growth and development delay in young children
- Bowel cancer
- Colon cancer
- Perforated colon
- Toxic megacolon
- Anemia
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis
- Blood clots
- Dehydration
- Severe bleeding from the rectum
- Sexual dysfunction
Perforated colon, toxic megacolon, severe dehydration, and severe bleeding from the rectum are complications that require immediate medical attention.
There is no known way to prevent ulcerative colitis; however, symptoms or flare-ups can be managed to reduce the risk of complications. You can manage symptoms by taking medications as prescribed, watching what you eat and drink, managing stress, and exercising.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.