Apr 7, 2024, 10:19 PM IST

10 symptoms of ulcerative colitis

Shweta Singh

Often crampy and intermittent, abdominal pain is a hallmark symptom of ulcerative colitis. It can range from mild to severe and may occur in various parts of the abdomen.

Abdominal pain

Frequent, loose, and urgent bowel movements are typical symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Some individuals may experience bloody diarrhea, especially during flare-ups.

Diarrhea

Blood in the stool is a characteristic symptom of ulcerative colitis. The blood may be bright red or darker in color and may be mixed with stool or appear on the toilet paper.

Rectal bleeding

Chronic inflammation and frequent bowel movements can lead to fatigue and a feeling of overall weakness or tiredness.

Fatigue

Loss of appetite, diarrhea, and malabsorption of nutrients can result in unintentional weight loss in people with ulcerative colitis.

Weight loss

Some individuals may experience fever during flare-ups of ulcerative colitis, especially if inflammation is severe or if there is an associated infection.

Fever

Inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis are often associated with inflammation in other parts of the body, including the joints. Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling can occur, particularly during flare-ups.

Joint pain

Certain skin conditions, such as erythema nodosum and pyoderma gangrenosum, can be associated with ulcerative colitis and may present as painful nodules or ulcers on the skin.

Skin problems

Chronic bleeding from the inflamed intestinal lining can lead to iron deficiency anemia, characterized by symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, and paleness.

Anemia