How to Identify Signs of Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis, also known as granulomatous colitis, is a condition of the large intestine, or colon. This condition is serious, caused by inflammation that creates ulcers and sores within the digestive tract. While causes of this condition are unknown, it is believed to be genetic, and known to be infectious. Risks increase with a family history or disposition to the condition, which affects all age groups, males and females (though young women seem to suffer from the condition more often than others). Most typically, ulcerative colitis affects the lower portion of the colon, or rectal area, but some individuals experience ulcers along the entire colon tract. It is very important to learn about, recognize and identify signs of ulcertative colitis in order to prevent complications such as blood loss, malnutrition, blood poisoning and increased risk of colon cancer.

Instructions

• 1

  Pay attention to any pain developing in the left side of the abdomen, which often improves after a bowel movement. Pain or other symptoms may be termed as mild, moderate or severe, and it is up to each individual to know their body and to be able to sense when something is not quite right.

• 2

  Watch for signs of bloody or mucus-filled diarrhea. These episodes of diarrhea often alternate with normal bowel movements, and many individuals erroneously believe they have eaten some bad food. However, any time blood or a visible presence of mucus is evident in bowel movements, schedule a visit with your physician.

• 3

  Feel your abdomen. Watch for signs of bloating that are not usual or typical for you. Some individuals also experience episodes of sweating or nausea that are reminiscent of flu-type symptoms.

• 4

  Pay attention to any cramping or pain felt around the rectal area. Often the pain felt in this general area is described as severe by most individuals. This pain may or may not accompany episodes of diarrhea.

• 5

  Take your temperature to determine the presence of a fever. Never attempt to self-diagnose, but be on the alert for any one or combination of symptoms that are common to ulcerative colitis.