Ulcer Colitis Symptoms

Ulcerative colitis symptoms vary, depending on the type of ulcerative colitis, which is determined by the location of the disease. Another factor that affects the symptoms is the severity of the disease. While some of the symptoms are inconveniences that require only a change in lifestyle, other symptoms are life threatening and require immediate medical attention.

Occurrence

• Symptoms of ulcerative colitis often appear suddenly and slowly dissipate. The period of time between the onset and the disappearance is called a flare up. The time without symptoms is called remission. Some sufferers have flare ups that last several days and recur often. Other sufferers may be in remission for a year or longer.

Diarrhea

• Frequent diarrhea is the most common symptom of ulcerative colitis. Some sufferers will notice that the stools are tinged with blood. This, in itself, isn't life threatening. However, should the diarrhea become dark and develop a tar like consistency, immediate medical attention is required.

Weight Loss

• Ulcerative colitis sufferers often lose weight during a flare up. This is caused by the diarrhea and a lack of appetite during a flare up. Eating small meals or snacking during a flare up can help reduce the risk of unhealthy weight loss.

Abdominal Cramping

• Severe, often debilitating, stomach cramps are common during a flare up. In some forms of the disease, the pain will cover the entire abdomen. In others, it will be localized.

Life Threatening Symptoms

• A sufferer who notices a distended abdomen accompanied by dizziness, weakness, debilitating abdominal pain and nausea should go straight to the emergency room. These symptoms signal colon rupture and a condition called toxic megacolon, both of which require surgery.