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Chronic Non-Specific Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms

Chronic non-specific colitis is a category of digestive disorders characterized by rectal bleeding and abdominal pain. Doctors categorize colitis as non-specific if they have not pinned down exactly which type of colitis it is or what's causing it.

  1. Non-specific Colitis

    • The most common symptoms of chronic non-specific colitis are bloody diarrhea, fecal incontinence and abdominal pain. According to the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, non-specific colitis can be broken down into ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

    Ulcerative Colitis

    • Ulcerative colitis affects only the colon, but in varying degrees. The disease starts at the anus and progresses upward. It can affect only a small part of the colon or the entire thing.

    Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of ulcerative colitis include rectal pain, blood in the stool, abdominal pain and cycles of diarrhea. There is an increased risk of cancer in patients with ulcerative colitis, especially if the entire colon is involved.

    Crohn's Disease

    • Crohn's disease can affect both the large and small intestines. About a third of Crohn's cases affect just the large intestine, a third affect just the small intestine, and a third affect both intestines.

    Crohn's Disease Symptoms

    • The symptoms of Crohn's disease are very similar to ulcerative colitis and include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and blood in the stool. One slight difference between Crohn's and ulcerative colitis is that Crohn's patients sometimes develop ulcers and are more likely to suffer extreme weight loss.

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