Understanding IBD: Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal (GI) or digestive tract. The two most common forms of IBD are ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease, which can cause general symptoms including urgent and loose bowel movements, blood in the stool, painful abdominal cramping, and persistent diarrhea with abdominal pain. Another digestive symptom, IBD constipation, occurs less frequently, though it may be equally disruptive to everyday life.

While there are characteristic symptoms that define ulcerative colitis, symptoms may vary from person to person and according to the type and severity of their ulcerative colitis. Here’s the breakdown.

Ulcerative Colitis Types and Symptoms

UC symptoms can range from mild to moderate to very severe (known as fulminant). Approximately 50 percent of people with ulcerative colitis experience mild symptoms. Symptom severity depends on what part of the large intestine is inflamed and what type of UC a person has.

Ulcerative Proctitis

Affecting the rectum, ulcerative proctitis symptoms can include bleeding from the rectum, rectal pain, and a feeling of bowel movement urgency.

Left-Sided Colitis

Left-sided colitis can affect the GI tract between the bend in the colon and the rectum. Left-sided colitis may cause symptoms such as diarrhea with bleeding, abdominal pain on the left side, loss of appetite, and unintended weight loss.

Proctosigmoiditis

Affecting the rectum and the last part of the large intestine before the rectum, symptoms of proctosigmoiditis may include blood in stool, abdominal pain on the lower left side, diarrhea with bleeding, and constantly feeling the urge to make a bowel movement.

Pan-Ulcerative Colitis

As the name suggests, pan-ulcerative colitis affects the whole colon. Symptoms of pan-ulcerative colitis can include diarrhea with bleeding, generalized and severe abdominal pain, appetite loss, and unintended weight loss.

Non-GI Symptoms of UC

The inflammatory response seen in the digestive tract of those living with ulcerative colitis can also affect other tissues, causing inflammation in other parts of the body. People with UC may experience symptoms in the eyes, joints, and skin in the form of uveitis (eye inflammation), arthritis, and skin lesions. Like inflammation in the digestive tract, symptoms in the eyes, joints, and skin may get worse during UC flares and get better in periods of remission.

In severe cases, unmanaged ulcerative colitis may lead to vitamin deficiencies and anemia (low iron in the blood). In children, ulcerative colitis may lead to delayed growth.

Ulcerative Colitis vs. Crohn’s: Similar But Not the Same

Though their names are often used together or interchangeably, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are distinct conditions. It’s also possible for a person to have both types of IBD. It’s helpful to learn the difference and understand how they may cause similar symptoms.

UC is characterized by inflammation and ulcers on the inner layer of the large intestine (also called the colon) and rectum, in a continuous portion. Crohn's disease also causes intestinal inflammation, but it can affect all parts of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus. Crohn’s usually causes a mix of healthy and inflamed tissue along the full GI tract.

If you have symptoms of ulcerative colitis, have an open discussion with your doctor to help find the right diagnosis and begin treatment.

References

Inflammatory Bowel Disease - Mayo Clinic

Constipation with IBD: Tips for Relief - MyCrohnsAndColitisTeam.com

Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms And Types And How They May Affect You - Crohn's and Colitis

Signs and Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis - Crohn's and Colitis Foundation

Ulcerative Colitis vs Crohn's Disease - UCLA Center for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

By: Nyaka Mwanza

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