Health

Signs of Ulcerative Colitis You Should Never Ignore

A painful inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, comes from inflammation and ulcers in your digestive tract. It’s vital to know the signs and how to manage… Trista - February 28, 2022

A painful inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, comes from inflammation and ulcers in your digestive tract. It’s vital to know the signs and how to manage the condition if you have it. This disease affects the innermost lining of your colon and rectum, which can cause a variety of symptoms. If you have ulcerative colitis or think you may have it, speak with your doctor about what you can do to manage it. Take a look at this list of all the signs you should be looking out for.

40. Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is a fairly common symptom for people with ulcerative colitis. You may feel like you have to go to the bathroom but are otherwise unable (via Medical News Today). The pain you’re feeling isn’t caused by ulcers in your bowels; instead, it is from inflammation in the intestines. A 2013 study by Inflammatory Bowel Diseases found that people with ulcerative colitis have pain caused by inflammation instead of ulcers (via Self). Speak to your doctor if you have abdominal pain to find the culprit.

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39. Blood in Your Stool

This may be an unpleasant topic to talk about, but it’s an important one. If you have blood in your stool, you should see your doctor. Blood in your stool is a common sign of ulcerative colitis and many other illnesses, so it’s crucial to figure out what’s causing the blood to escape your body (via Medical News Today). The ulcers in your gastrointestinal tract cause blood to be released through your stool, and this is the most common sign and symptom of ulcerative colitis (via Self).

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38. Cramping

Another sign is cramping in your stomach, is often overlooked as something else. If you feel stomach cramping combined with various other symptoms, you must speak with your doctor (via Self). Ulcerative Colitis has no cure, but it can be managed. If you feel like your cramping isn’t just from a stomachache and its over-the-counter medications do not help it, your doctor will help diagnose your symptoms (via Cleveland Clinic). No question is a silly question regarding your health, so don’t be afraid to ask your doctor anything pertaining to it.

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37. Urge to Relieve Your Bowels

Have you ever felt the need to go to the bathroom but cannot once you get there? People with ulcerative colitis have this feeling often (via Medical News Today). The urge to use the restroom will come on suddenly and leave just as soon as it comes. This urge comes from the inflammation in your intestines. It’s possible to have up to ten bloody bowel movements per day with something like ulcerative colitis (via Self). Be sure to speak with your doctor if you have this symptom.

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36. Rectal Pain

This may be another uncomfortable topic to discuss with your doctor, but it’s vital to discuss if you’re experiencing this symptom. Don’t be afraid to discuss rectal pain with your doctor. Ulcerative Colitis starts near the rectum and goes further into your bowels as the disease progresses (via Self). The Cleveland Clinic is well-versed on the topic of ulcerative colitis and says the condition can start with rectum pain and is often overlooked as a symptom for something else (via Cleveland Clinic).

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35. Weight Loss

Weight loss can be a symptom of various illnesses, so it’s critical to discuss it with your doctor. When paired with other symptoms on this list, especially bleeding from your rectum, it’s important to broach the subject with your doctor to ensure a proper care plan is put in place (via Self). You may not have ulcerative colitis with just sudden weight loss, but it’s something that doesn’t happen unless there’s a reason, so speaking with your doctor is a must if you have this symptom (via Cleveland Clinic).

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34. Fatigue

Feeling tired and worn out overall is another symptom to look out for when it comes to ulcerative colitis. Fatigue is a symptom that shouldn’t be overlooked regardless of the cause (via Cleveland Clinic). Fatigue on its own doesn’t cause concern as far as ulcerative colitis goes, but you should speak with your doctor if it’s an ongoing concern. Furthermore, fatigue is categorized as an overwhelming sense of exhaustion, feeling tired even when getting enough sleep, and an overall lack of energy to do the things you love (via Self).

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33. Malnutrition

Malnutrition happens when your body isn’t receiving the proper nutrients for your overall health needs. You may begin to feel tired and worn out when not getting enough vitamins and minerals that your body needs for your daily intake. When it comes to ulcerative colitis, malnutrition can occur due to the amount of blood or pus in your stool (via Self). The excess blood released from your body can cause an iron deficiency and cause you to lose your appetite (via Medical News Today).

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32. Joint Pain

Surprisingly, some symptoms aren’t associated with the bowels. You wouldn’t expect joint pain to be a symptom of this illness, but it’s one of the most common. These types of signs are called Extraintestinal Complications. Studies have found that 30 percent of people with irritable bowel diseases have arthritis in their joints (via Self). It occurs because your immune system is overworked, leading to symptoms outside of the bowels (via Cleveland Clinic). It’s important to discuss this symptom with your doctor to find the cause.

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31. Dehydration

Dehydration is a dangerous symptom to deal with, and it can cause your body to shut down in severe cases. If you’re having a lot of diarrhea, it can easily cause dehydration. Your body will lose all sorts of vital nutrients and vitamins when dehydration occurs (via Cleveland Clinic). Symptoms of dehydration include headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. As you can see, these are symptoms of ulcerative colitis as well (via Self). So, it’s crucial to stay hydrated if you have diarrhea. Electrolytes found in Powerade and Gatorade will help immensely if you’re dehydrated from diarrhea.

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30. Nausea

This is another one of those symptoms that various illnesses can cause. Due to the issues and inflammation in the intestines, nausea is a common concern for those with ulcerative colitis. When you have nausea, you may feel as though you’re going to throw up. This common symptom can be overwhelming when it comes to ulcerative colitis (via Self). If you have it, you may notice nausea more often when the inflammation in your bowels is severe (via Cleveland Clinic).

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29. Skin Problems

There are various skin problems associated with ulcerative colitis, and you may notice a skin rash with other symptoms. Skin issues are a common symptom of ulcerative colitis that worsens during a flare (via WebMD). This occurs due to the inflammation in your body not being under control, lack of proper nutrients in the body, and side effects from medications. These skin rashes can be treated, so contact your doctor to find the cause and appropriate treatment if you notice a rash (via Self).

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28. Eye Problems

Did you know you can have eye problems with ulcerative colitis? A 2015 study by Scientific World found that not only can it cause eye problems, but it can cause blurry vision and eye pain. The problems with your eyes could become severe and lead to blindness if left untreated. This is one of the many reasons it’s essential to speak with your doctor about your symptoms. Ulcerative Colitis can affect all parts of your body (via Self).

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27. Erythema Nodosum

Let’s delve a little deeper into the skin problems you may experience with ulcerative colitis. Erthema nodosum is a skin condition that causes painful bumps in the fat under your skin (via WebMD). These bumps are usually one to five centimeters in size. You may feel as though you have bruises with Erythema Nodosum. The spots will be red or purple and often appear on your ankles and shins. If you have ulcerative colitis and notice painful bumps on your shins and ankles, speak with your doctor (via Self).

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26. Pyoderma Gangrenosum

Pyoderma Gangrenosum is a rare skin condition associated with ulcerative colitis. It may look like bug bites or pimples, but these sores are filled with pus. If you have ulcerative colitis and notice what looks like bug bites on your skin, speak to your doctor before it gets worse. These sores can become painful pus-filled ulcers (via WebMD). Doctors say these sores will have blue or purple edges and tend to show up on your shins and in spots where you’ve had surgery. However, they can appear on any part of the body (via Crohn’s and Colitis).

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25. Sweet’s Syndrome

Have you ever heard of this? Sweet’s Syndrome is a condition associated with ulcerative colitis that causes painful bumps or patches on the back of your hands. This syndrome has its own set of symptoms that can contribute to what you’re feeling with ulcerative colitis (via WebMD). If you have painful bumps or patches of skin on the back of your hands, speak with your doctor. You may have symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, joint pain, eye problems, and muscle pain with Sweet’s Syndrome.

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24. Mouth Sores

If you have ulcerative colitis, you may notice mouth sores when the disease flares up. These sores can be painful and occur even before getting diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. Symptoms of mouth sores include painful canker sores, dry or cracked lips, and a swollen tongue, lips, or gums. You can get mouth sores even before being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (via WebMD). If you find you’re getting mouth sores and can’t figure out the cause, it’s best to speak with your doctor to get treatment. Be sure to let your doctor know if you have any other symptoms, along with mouth sores (via Cleveland Clinic).

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23. Pyostomatitis Vegetans

An illness that causes yellow or white sores on your gums and the soft parts of your mouth, Pyostomatitis Vegetans is associated with ulcerative colitis (via Crohn’s and Colitis). They typically form in a cobblestone pattern and can be painful. Speak to your doctor right away If you notice sores like this in your mouth. Your doctor can offer medications like numbing cream, antiseptic mouthwash, or steroid medications to help control Pyostomatitis Vegetans (via WebMD). You may also get symptoms such as fever, pain, and swollen lymph nodes from this illness.

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22. Bowel-Associated Dermatosis-Arthritis Syndrome

Bowel-Associated Dermatosis-Arthritis Syndrome is a rare condition with symptoms similar to Pyoderma Gangrenosum and Sweet’s Syndrome. People with ulcerative colitis typically get this condition after undergoing bowel bypass surgery (via Self). If you recently underwent bowel bypass surgery related to your ulcerative colitis and start to feel feverish, pain in your joints, or flu-like symptoms, contact your doctor immediately, as this condition can be treated. Doctors utilize antibiotics, steroids, and immunosuppressants to help treat Bowel-Associated Dermatosis-Arthritis Syndrome (via WebMD).

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21. Fissures

Fissures are also an uncomfortable topic for most, but they happen in people with ulcerative colitis (via WebMD). A fissure is a tear in the skin near your anus caused by excessive pushing from diarrhea or constipation. If you have a fissure, it can be painful. The best thing you can do in this type of situation is speak with your doctor. There are certain types of medications that will help with pain and discomfort. Don’t be afraid to talk with your doctor if you have pain or bleeding from your rectum, especially if you have ulcerative colitis (via Self).

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20. Psoriasis

Psoriasis is another common symptom for people with ulcerative colitis (via Cleveland Clinic). If you have raised red bumps on your skin, especially near joints, it’s best to speak with your doctor. Your doctor can prescribe topical medications to keep psoriasis under control. Psoriasis may feel itchy and look like dry skin with red bumps (via WebMD). If you think you may have psoriasis combined with some of the other symptoms listed here, speak with your doctor.

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19. Skin Tags

Skin tags are harmless flaps of skin found all over the body. They are common in people with ulcerative colitis. There’s nothing to worry about when it comes to skin tags, so don’t be concerned if you find some (via Crohn’s and Colitis). They usually don’t hurt but talk to your doctor about getting them removed if they begin to bother you. Doctors believe an issue causes skin tags with the immune system (via WebMD).

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18. Bloating

Ulcerative Colitis can often make people feel bloated and gassy. Bloating may make your stomach feel full and give you the feeling of needing to pass gas (via Crohn’s and Colitis). It can be an uncomfortable experience, but you can do to manage it. Dietary supplements and changes in diet can help to ease some of the bloating experienced with ulcerative colitis (via Cleveland Clinic). You may feel uncomfortable speaking to your doctor about bloating and passing gas, but they are there to help you feel better.

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17. Anemia

Anemia is a condition that causes less blood to carry oxygen throughout your body. Doctors have found that one in three people with ulcerative colitis have anemia (via Crohn’s and Colitis). If you have anemia, you may feel tired a lot of the time. People with ulcerative colitis often lose blood through the rectum due to constipation or diarrhea. If you have ulcerative colitis, speak to your doctor about the risks of blood loss and how to prevent it (via Cleveland Clinic). Your doctor will offer insight on the best ways to reduce your personal risk of anemia.

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16. Loss of Appetite

When you have a loss of appetite that’s unusual for you, it’s best to speak with your doctor. You may feel as though you’re just not hungry or already full. This can happen due to bloating and gas being trapped in the abdomen. If you have a mixture of symptoms, plus up to four loose stools per day, your doctor may consider an ulcerative colitis diagnosis (via Cleveland Clinic). Ulcerative Colitis can cause different symptoms for everyone, so it’s important to know what can lead to a diagnosis (via Crohn’s and Colitis).

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15. Signs of Ulcerative Colitis: Mild Symptoms

Mild symptoms for ulcerative colitis are as follows. You may have up to four loose stools daily (via Self). You may notice blood in the toilet or when you wipe. Furthermore, you may also notice mild pain in your stomach that’s unexplainable. If you feel these symptoms, it’s best to make an appointment to see your doctor. You shouldn’t feel uncomfortable speaking with your doctor, as they are there to help you feel better. In most cases, you can control your ulcerative colitis symptoms (via Crohn’s and Colitis).

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14. Signs of Ulcerative Colitis: Moderate Symptoms

If you’re having moderate symptoms of ulcerative colitis, it’s best to make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible. The symptoms associated with a mild case can become dangerous if left untreated (via Self). You may have four to six loose stools per day with mild symptoms, and this stool may become bloody. You may also have stomach pain. The most dangerous things to worry about with a moderate case of ulcerative colitis are anemia and dehydration. To avoid dehydration, be sure to drink plenty of fluids to replace what you’re losing (via Crohn’s and Colitis).

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13. Signs of Ulcerative Colitis: Severe Symptoms

Severe symptoms of ulcerative colitis can become very painful. If you have severe symptoms, a visit to the emergency room may be necessary. So, what constitutes an extreme case? Doctors say a severe case will cause more than six loose stools per day, bloody stool, fever, rapid heart rate, and anemia (via Crohn’s and Colitis). This combination of symptoms can be dangerous for more reasons than one, so getting medical attention is critical. You don’t have to suffer in silence with painful symptoms. Speak to your doctor immediately to get the relief needed to live a happy and healthy life (via WebMD).

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12. Signs of Ulcerative Colitis: Very Severe Symptoms

A very severe case of ulcerative colitis can be perilous. You’ll notice more than ten loose stools per day with constant blood, abdominal tenderness, dehydration, anemia, and more (via Self). These very severe cases can be fatal in some cases. If you have severe symptoms, please visit your nearest emergency room immediately to get some relief. It could possibly save your life. Doctors say these severe symptoms often benefit from blood transfusions to replace the blood lost from bleeding out of the rectum (via Crohn’s and Colitis).

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11. Types of Ulcerative Colitis: Left-Sided Colitis

Left-Sided Colitis is the most common type of ulcerative colitis. This version of the disease causes inflammation in the rectum and lower colon. People report the most common symptom of Left-Sided Colitis as weight loss, and you may also experience bloody stools and abdominal pain (via WebMD). While Ulcerative Colitis doesn’t have a cure, it can be managed with the help of medications meant to lower inflammation in the body. Speak with your doctor about risk factors and your chances of developing Left-Sided Colitis (via Medical News Today).

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10. Types of Ulcerative Colitis: Proctosigmoiditis

The inflammation starts in the rectum and moves to the lower part of the colon. Ulcerative Colitis patients with this type of disease will notice blood in their stool and abdominal pain (via Self). They may also see an inability to go to the bathroom even when it feels like they need to go. This feeling may be constant and lead you to spend a lot of time in the restroom (via Crohn’s and Colitis).

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9. Types of Ulcerative Colitis: Pancolitis

Pancolitis affects the entire colon. It can cause bloody, loose stools, stomach pain, weight loss, and even loss of appetite. Pancolitis can cause sores, ulcers, and gastrointestinal issues that are hard to ignore. If you have this disease, work closely with your doctor and openly discuss all of your symptoms to ensure proper treatment (via Self). While this disease is rare in severe cases, it’s still important to discuss all of your symptoms with your doctor (via Crohn’s and Colitis). Having an open and honest relationship with your doctor ensures the best care.

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8. Types of Ulcerative Colitis: Ulcerative Proctitis

Ulcerative Proctitis is a mild form of ulcerative colitis that usually doesn’t have many symptoms. You may notice a small amount of blood in your stool or some abdominal pain, but for the most part, this disease is mild. It can often be misdiagnosed as gas pain or a gastrointestinal bug (via Crohn’s and Colitis). The inflammation with Ulcerative Proctitis is in the rectum, and it’s the easiest ulcerative colitis to manage. People with this disease often go years without a diagnosis, thinking they just have some sort of food allergy or the occasional flu (via WebMD).

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7. Diagnostic Testing for Ulcerative Colitis: Blood Tests

Various types of blood tests can help doctors diagnose ulcerative colitis. One of these tests is for anemia. Doctors will take a blood sample and search for any iron deficiency in your body. Anemia is one of the leading symptoms of ulcerative colitis caused by excessive bleeding from the rectum (via Cleveland Clinic). Your doctor will also search for signs of infection or inflammation with your blood sample. This simple test is one of the easiest ways to find problems with your body (via Self).

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6. Diagnostic Testing for Ulcerative Colitis: Stool Samples

This may seem strange for a doctor to request, but it can help them find illnesses. Your doctor will use your sample to search for signs of infection, parasites, blood, and even inflammation (via Cleveland Clinic). Who knew something like a stool sample could help doctors learn so much about your body? A stool sample may be an uncomfortable request, but it should be reasonably easy to provide if it helps find the cause of your discomfort (via Self).

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5. Diagnostic Testing for Ulcerative Colitis: Imaging

Certain types of imagining tests search for inflammation in the rectum and colon. These non-invasive tests are easy to do and shouldn’t cause you any discomfort. Your doctor may request an MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (via Self). This will give them a clear picture of your rectum and colon. Another test that’s often used is a CT or Computed Tomography scan (via Cleveland Clinic). These scans also give doctors a clear picture of the inside of your body.

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4. Diagnostic Testing for Ulcerative Colitis: Endoscopy

Lastly, endoscopy is often used to find tears, lesions, blood, or other concerns in the rectum and colon. An endoscope is a long, thin camera inserted into the rectum under sedation that gives doctors a clear image of your rectum and colon (via WebMD). This can help them find fissures or inflammation that can contribute to your pain. Based on where they find the inflammation, they can give you a proper diagnosis of which type of Ulcerative Colitis you may have (via Cleveland Clinic).

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3. Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis: Medications and Surgery

Medications are the best treatment for ulcerative colitis. Doctors use biologics, immunomodulators, corticosteroids, and aminosalicylates based on the type of ulcerative colitis. These medications may help put the disease into remission or lower the amount of inflammation in the body (via Cleveland Clinic). Surgery is usually only used as a last resort for ulcerative colitis as it involves removing your rectum and/or colon to eliminate the problem of inflammation (via Self).

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2. Finding Ulcerative Colitis Support Groups

Support groups are a great way to gather with other people that have ulcerative colitis and understand what you’re going through. Someone without the disease may not know what you’re dealing with – the emotional and physical aspects of the illness that are difficult to discuss (via Medical News Today). A support group can help you understand the disease and gain friendships through mutual goals (via Self). You don’t have to feel alone with an ulcerative colitis diagnosis. Support is out there, and you’ll find a wonderful group of people who understand.

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1. Looking to the Future: The Prognosisfor Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis can cause mild to severe symptoms for those diagnosed. It is a condition you’ll have for the rest of your life, but with treatments, you may go years without a flare-up. This is good news! Doctors say that only 30 percent of people with an ulcerative colitis diagnosis have to get surgery to remove some or all of their colon and rectum (via Cleveland Clinic). Also, only 30 percent of people have inflammation that spreads from the rectum to the colon (via Self).

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