Know What to Watch For
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease that causes inflammation and sores in the lining of the large intestine and rectum. It can develop gradually and may be mistaken for other digestive problems at first. Recognizing early symptoms can help you seek medical advice sooner, potentially leading to better outcomes. Here's a simple guide to some of the early signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis to look for.
1. Frequent Diarrhea
One of the most common early signs of ulcerative colitis is frequent diarrhea. You might notice an urgent need to use the bathroom, often several times a day. In some cases, diarrhea may be the only symptom for a while. Unlike a typical stomach bug, the diarrhea from ulcerative colitis can persist for weeks or longer without improving.
2. Blood in the Stool
Seeing blood in your stool can be alarming, and it’s one of the classic signs of ulcerative colitis. The blood may appear bright red or darker, depending on where the bleeding is coming from in your colon. It’s important not to ignore blood in your stool — always bring it up with your doctor.
3. Abdominal Pain and Cramping
Many people with ulcerative colitis experience abdominal pain or cramping, especially before having a bowel movement. The pain can range from mild discomfort to severe cramps. It’s often located in the lower left side of the abdomen but can occur anywhere depending on the extent of inflammation.
4. Urgency to Have a Bowel Movement
An early symptom that can be particularly disruptive is the sudden urgency to have a bowel movement. You might feel like you need to go immediately and may have difficulty holding it in. This can sometimes lead to accidents if you can't reach a bathroom in time.
5. Feeling of Incomplete Evacuation
After using the bathroom, you might still feel like you haven't completely emptied your bowels. This sensation, known as tenesmus, is common in ulcerative colitis and can add to the discomfort and frustration the disease causes.
6. Fatigue
Living with chronic inflammation takes a toll on your body. Many people with early ulcerative colitis report extreme tiredness or fatigue even if they're getting enough sleep. This happens because your body is working hard to fight off the inflammation.
7. Weight Loss
If you're unintentionally losing weight, it could be a sign that something is wrong. In ulcerative colitis, weight loss often occurs because the disease reduces your appetite or causes malabsorption, where your body doesn’t properly absorb nutrients.
8. Fever
A low-grade fever can sometimes accompany ulcerative colitis, especially during flare-ups. If you’re running a mild fever along with other symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain, it’s worth mentioning to your healthcare provider.
9. Anemia
Long-term bleeding from the colon can lead to anemia, a condition where your body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, shortness of breath and pale skin. If you notice these signs, ask your doctor to check your blood levels.
10. Joint Pain
Interestingly, ulcerative colitis doesn't just affect your gut. Some people experience joint pain and swelling, which is caused by inflammation in the body. These symptoms may even show up before significant digestive symptoms appear.
When to See a Doctor
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above — especially ongoing diarrhea, blood in your stool, abdominal pain or unexplained weight loss — it's important to see a doctor. While ulcerative colitis is a lifelong condition, early diagnosis and treatment can help you manage symptoms effectively and reduce the risk of serious complications.
Treatment Options to Ask Your Doctor About
There are several treatments available to help manage ulcerative colitis. Here are some options you can discuss with your healthcare provider:
- Medications. Drugs like aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunomodulators and biologics can help control inflammation and prevent flare-ups.
- Dietary changes. Your doctor or a dietitian may recommend specific diet adjustments to help minimize symptoms.
- Surgery. In severe cases, surgery to remove the colon may be necessary. Advances in surgical techniques have greatly improved outcomes for patients.
- Lifestyle changes. Managing stress, quitting smoking (if applicable) and regular exercise can help support your overall health.
- Regular monitoring. Routine colonoscopies and check-ups are important for monitoring disease progression and screening for colon cancer, which is a higher risk in ulcerative colitis patients.
Ulcerative colitis can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right treatment plan, many people live full and active lives. If you’re concerned about symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional.