How
to Cope with Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms
Ulcerative colitis symptoms are
good indicators that you may be suffering from one of the most common
types of inflammatory bowel diseases. This disease typically affects
the colon and rectum, but it can also afflict the entire colon.
Ulcerative colitis causes chronic inflammation of the digestive
tract, as well as ulcers in the lining of the large intestine. Although
some previously believed that stress was a factor in contracting
ulcerative colitis, the more likely cause is the immune system excessively
attacking normal bacteria in the digestive tract. If you already
have the disease, though, stress can make your colitis symptoms
worse.
Colitis can occur in various locations in the large intestine, and
have different levels of severity. Each type of colitis and location
has its different set of colitis signs and symptoms. They include:
- Ulcerative proctitis—this form of
the disease tends to restrict itself to the rectum. Colitis
symptoms include the inflammation of the rectum, rectal bleeding,
rectal pain, a feeling of urgency, or constipation.
- Left-sided colitis—colitis symptoms
range from bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain to weight loss.
Sufferers experience inflammation that extends from their rectum
and through the left side of their descending colon.
- Pancolitis—unlike ulcerative proctitis
and left-sided colitis, this form of colitis affects the entire
colon. Colitis symptoms include bloody diarrhea, followed by
severe abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss.
- Fulminant colitis—this is the rarest
form of colitis, and like pancolitis it affects the entire colon.
Symptoms include severe pain, abundant amounts of diarrhea,
dehydration, and even shock.
If you’re experiencing colitis symptoms
such as bloody diarrhea, and/or severe abdominal cramps and pain,
contact your physician as soon as possible. Although you cannot
cure colitis, there are measures you can take that can provide you
comfort and potentially put you in remission.
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