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Signs of Colitis

Colitis, or ulcerative colitis, is an inflammatory condition that leads ulcers in the lining of the colon. It usually affects the lower section of the colon and the rectum. In some cases, it can affect the entire colon. Where and how much of the colon is affected determines the severity of the symptoms. In most cases, this condition is diagnosed in people under 30. Below are the signs and symptoms to watch for.

  1. Identification

    • According to the Chron's and Colitis Foundation of America, the cause of colitis is still unknown. What is known is that this disease occurs when inflammation kills the cells that line the colon, which leads to sores and ulcers. Most patients with colitis experience periods of remissions and flare-ups, often going months or years with no symptoms and then experiencing a flare-up. Research also shows that half of all patients with colitis experience only mild symptoms.

    Types

    • Colitis usually affects the rectum and lower colon. When it affects the rectum, it is called ulcerative proctitis. This condition is a milder form of the disease. If colitis involves the entire colon, it's called pancolitis. The symptoms are more severe, and it is more challenging to treat. Proctosigmoiditis involves the rectum and sigmoid colon. Distal colitis affects only the left side of the colon. Pan-ulcerative colitis involves the entire colon and can be life-threatening.

    Primary Symptoms

    • According to the National Institutes of Health, the most common signs of colitis are cramps and pain in the stomach, bloody diarrhea, a frequent and urgent need to have a bowel movement, and bleeding that originates from the rectum. Some patients experience diarrhea 10 to 20 times a day. Other symptoms include anemia, fatigue, loss of body fluids and nutrients, and skin lesions, and failure to thrive in children.

    Other Symptoms

    • If you have colitis, you might also experience a loss of appetite, weight loss and fever. Joint pain, arthritis-like symptoms and liver disease can also occur. Other more serious signs include inflammation of the eye and osteoporosis. Sometimes these symptoms resolve themselves when the colitis is successfully treated.

    Severe Symptoms

    • While rare, colitis can cause serious problems. Scarring of the bile duct can result in liver damage. The colon can swell as a result of a life-threatening condition called toxic megacolon. If you have had colitis for more than eight years, you are at a greater risk for colon cancer and should be screened. Screening can help the catch cancer in its early stages and improve your chances for successful treatment.

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