Signs and Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis belongs to the family of autoimmune diseases known as inflammatory bowel diseases. Ulcerative colitis affects the lining of the colon only, whereas Crohn’s disease generally occurs in the last portion of the small intestine, but can occur in any part of the digestive tract. Both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease have periods of flares and remissions. Remissions result in minimal inflammation and reduction of symptoms. We have put together a list of common signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis below.

Also, we have information on diagnosis, helpful books and valuable resources for patients.

The Signs and Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis are as follows:

Bloody stools
Abdominal cramps
Abdominal tenderness
Pain
Fatigue
Dehydration
Rapid heart beat
Pus and mucous in the stool from the intestinal lining
Gas
Mild fever
Anemia
Weight loss
Dehydration
Joint inflammation

Another complication seen in ulcerative colitis is toxic megacolon, which can develop when the colon becomes inflamed and is unable to eliminate stool or gas. This results in abdominal bloating and pain, with fever and weakness in some cases. In rare cases, the colon can enlarge and rupture, causing bacteria to leak into the abdominal area.

Diagnosis of Ulcerative Colitis

Tests that can help in the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis include a barium enema, abdominal e-rays, a colonoscopy, a flexible sigmoidoscopy, and an abdominal/pelvic CT scan.

Books For People With Signs and Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis:

Why Doesn’t My Doctor Know This?: Conquering Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Crohn’s Disease and Colitis David Dahlman	Breaking the Vicious Cycle: Intestinal Health Through Diet Elaine Gloria Gottschall


Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: Everything You Need to Know (Your Personal Health) Fred Saibil	What to Eat with IBD: A Comprehensive Nutrition and Recipe Guide for Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis Tracie M Dalessandro MS RD CDN

Ulcerative Colitis Resources

General Patient Resources

Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America

The following is an overview of ulcerative colitis. It is designed to help you understand more about the diagnosis and treatment of this illness, and its impact on the day-to-day lives of patients and their families.

http://www.ccfa.org/info/about/ucp

Better Medicine

Information Including Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Causes, Videos, Forums, and local community support.

http://www.bettermedicine.com/article/ulcerative-colitis

Ulcerative Colitis Forum

Ulcerative Colitis Forum is a community dedicated to providing sufferers with information on relief for ulcerative colitis and digestive disorders

http://ulcerativecolitisforum.com/index.php

Experience Project

Do You Have Ulcerative Colitis? Join 134 friendly people sharing 71 true stories in the I Have Ulcerative Colitis group. Find support forums, advice and chat with groups.

http://www.experienceproject.com/groups/Have-Ulcerative-Colitis/38

Medical Resources

Mayo Clinic

Comprehensive overview covers symptoms and treatment of this inflammatory bowel disease.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ulcerative-colitis/DS00598

Medicine Net . com

Read about ulcerative colitis causes, and symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, rectal pain, urgency to defecate, or painful bowel movements and more.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ulcerative-colitis/DS00598

Pub Med Health

Discusses causes, symptoms, treatment, complications, prognosis and more.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001296/