Colitis Symptoms in Children

Colitis is essentially a grouping or family of conditions that involves the inflammation and irritation of the large intestines. This inflammation and irritation can be a result of a genetic defect, in which the blood doesn't necessarily reach the intestines as it should, or it could be a consequence of an antibiotic a child is given. No matter the reason, there are a number of symptoms a child will usually display when suffering from these types of conditions.

Diarrhea

• One of the most common symptoms of colitis in children would be diarrhea. This is due to the additional mucus the intestines tends to produce when this condition in present in the digestive tract.

Dehydration

• Depending on the severity of the condition, a child with colitis may actually become dehydrated. This is really a result of the diarrhea, since she is losing fluid each time she goes to the bathroom.

Nausea

• Some children will also complain of being nauseous as a result of colitis. Since this is a condition of the digestive system, it can begin to affect a child in this fashion.

Vomiting

• On occasion, a child suffering from colitis will experience nausea so intense that it may actually cause him to vomit.

Cramping

• Many times, a child with colitis will also experience a certain amount of abdominal cramping, both with and without a bowel movement. This is due to the inflammation and how the intestines react to this inflammation.

Fever

• Sometimes, a child with colitis will actually begin to manifest a fever in connection to the condition. It will usually be over 100 degrees F.

Stool

• Some children have also suffered the symptom of blood in the stool from their colitis. This may be seen as actual blood, purplish stool or even black stool.