Ulcerative Colitis - A Detailed Guide on Symptoms, Causes and Diagnosis

Understanding Ulcerative Colitis: Symptoms and Diagnosis

Ulcerative colitis is a long-term condition affecting the rectum and colon (large intestine). It is the primary cause of inflammation and ulcers in the bowel lining, leading to symptoms such as diarrhoea, pain in the stomach and blood in the stool.

The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, but it is interconnection with the immune system and other environmental factors. Gaining a clear understanding of ulcerative colitis symptoms and causes lets doctors diagnose ulcerative colitis and lead a better quality of life.

What is Ulcerative Colitis (UC)?

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a lifelong disease that causes ulcers and inflammation inside your colon (large intestine). It is one of the most common kinds of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), alongside Crohn's disease. UC often leads to bloody diarrhoea, cramps in the abdomen, and urgent bowel movements.

The majority of people with UC experience symptoms, followed by no symptoms for a prolonged period. It develops when there is inflammation in the lining of the rectum and colon. This causes ulcers on the lining of the colon, beginning in the rectum and gradually spreading upward. It also results in frequent bowel movements with discharge of pus and mucus.

What are the Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis?

The ulcerative colitis symptoms vary from one individual to another with symptoms. The symptoms of this disease change over time. Individuals diagnosed with ulcerative colitis experience mild symptoms or no symptoms. However, symptoms can come back and become more severe.

Some of the common signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis include:

Abdominal pain
Diarrhoea
Increased sound in the abdomen
Blood in stools
Fever
Weight loss
Rectal pain
Malnutrition

Some of the additional symptoms of ulcerative colitis are:

Swelling joint
Joint pain
Mouth sores
Problems with the skin
Nausea and low appetite
Eye inflammation

What Causes Ulcerative Colitis?

According to researchers, the primary cause of ulcerative colitis might be an overactive immune system. The function of the immune system is to safeguard your body from germs and other substances. However, at times, your immune system dysfunctions and causes damage to tissues and inflammation.

Research reveals that people with ulcerative colitis usually do not have any family history. However, approximately 8-14% of individuals with ulcerative colitis have a family member with inflammatory bowel disease.

UC can take place among people from any race, but it is more prevalent among white people. In addition, the factors that play an important role towards developing UC include immune disorders and other environmental factors such as viruses, bacteria or antigens that might trigger your immune system.

Diagnosis of Ulcerative Colitis?

Doctors prescribe tests to confirm if you have UC and not any other gut disease. The tests include:

Stool: Doing a stool test enables your doctor to find out if there is any parasite or infection present in your colon. With this test, doctors can also see if there is the presence of blood in stool, which is not visible to the naked eye.
Blood tests: This test examines if you have inflammation or anaemia.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Flexible sigmoidoscopy lets doctors examine the lower part of the colon. A bendable tube will be inserted into your lower colon through the bottom. The tube consists of a camera and a small light at the end. The doctor might also use a small tool to take a piece of the lining of your lower colon, commonly known as a biopsy.
Colonoscopy: This test is similar to flexible sigmoidoscopy. Here, doctors can see your entire colon and the lower portion.
X-rays: Though this test is less common for the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, your doctor might suggest it in special cases.

When Should You See a Doctor for Ulcerative Colitis?

If you are diagnosed with ulcerative colitis symptoms, see a doctor. The symptoms can be mild or severe. The symptoms include:

High fever
Chronic diarrhoea, which is difficult to treat
Serious rectal bleeding
Cramping or severe abdominal pain
Swelling in areas such as joints or skin
Dehydration

All these symptoms are associated with complications of UC. If you are not diagnosed with UC but have mild symptoms, make sure to consult a doctor. Doctors can determine whether you are experiencing UC or other bowel diseases.

The Bottom Line

Living with ulcerative colitis might be challenging, but with medical care, it is possible to manage symptoms well. Proper diagnosis at an early stage and treatment are key to preventing complications.

Being aware of the ulcerative colitis symptoms, causes, and diagnosis of the disease, individuals can take care of their health beforehand and consult healthcare professionals for an effective treatment plan. Though there is remission achievable with tailored therapies, the majority of people with ulcerative colitis find relief with changes in lifestyle, medication, and support.