Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms in Children

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that is characterized by an irritation and ulceration within the lining of both the colon and the rectum. Much like other bowel conditions, ulcerative colitis brings with it a number of troubling, sometimes unbearable, symptoms. While there is currently no cure for this disease, it can usually be treated and managed to lessen the intensity and frequency of the symptoms in children (and adults).

Diarrhea

• According to the Mayo Clinic, most people who are suffering from ulcerative colitis will usually experience episodes of diarrhea during an attack. This may actually cause a child to go to the bathroom a staggering number of times in a single day

Dehydration

• Because of the increase in bowel movements and the fluid lost because of these movements, some children may become dehydrated.

Cramping

• A child suffering from ulcerative colitis may also experience abdominal cramping, either with or without diarrhea and bowel movements.

Bleeding

• Depending on the severity of the irritation and ulceration from ulcerative colitis, a child may also notice blood in his stool, bleeding from his rectum or a combination of both.

Appetite & Weight

• These two particular symptoms usually go hand in hand when a child is dealing with ulcerative colitis. Because this disease affects the digestive system, a child may lose her appetite, which will eventually prompt a certain amount of weight loss.