Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms & Treatment

Ulcerative colitis is a life-changing digestive system disease. Severe bouts of diarrhea, which are uncontrollable, limit sufferers' activities. While some sufferers will experience only some of these symptoms, others may experience them all.

Stomach Cramps

• Severe stomach cramps are a common symptom of ulcerative colitis. Warm baths, heating pads and walking all help to alleviate the stomach cramps. Stretching during a cramp instead of tensing up is another way to help stomach cramps.

Fatigue

• Debilitating fatigue is a symptom of an ulcerative colitis flareup. Because caffeine often irritates ulcerative colitis, coffee isn't advisable. However, eating small amounts of whole-grain breads and taking short naps during the day is helpful.

Dehydration

• Because of the severe diarrhea associated with this disease, dehydration is one of the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Drinking electrolyte replacement solutions, water, clear broth and sports drinks frequently can help alleviate the possibility of dehydration.

Tenesmus

• This is the feeling of needing to defecate, even after your bowels are empty. Taking a sitz bath or sitting in a shallow tub of warm water after using the bathroom can help with this symptom of ulcerative colitis.

Night Sweats

• People with the form of ulcerative colitis known as pancolitis may experience night sweats, even when the disease is in remission. Sleeping in natural fibers, such as cotton, and using a fan are the best treatments for this condition. Keeping water near the bed may help to lessen the severe thirst that often accompanies the night sweats.