Common Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the large intestine (which is also known as the colon). Current research suggests that the condition is the result of an immune system overreaction. It’s characterized by small sores (ulcers) in the lining of the colon. According to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, ulcerative colitis can create noticeable symptoms at any age, but most people are diagnosed in their mid-30s.

Symptoms of ulcerative colitis can include:

• Cramping, abdominal pain, and nausea
• Painful bowel movements
• Passing blood, pus, or mucus in stool
• Rectal bleeding
• Diarrhea
• A constant urge to “go,” or a feeling that the bowels cannot be emptied
• Fatigue and fever lasting more than a day or two
• Unexplained weight loss

According to the National Institutes of Health, some patients go through long periods of remission in which they do not experience symptoms, and the severity of symptoms varies from patient to patient.

It’s also important to note that the symptoms listed above are also associated with other conditions, including other inflammatory bowel diseases. Any person experiencing new health issues should receive a diagnosis from their doctor before starting any type of treatment.

Risk Factors for Ulcerative Colitis

At this time, doctors aren’t sure why ulcerative colitis develops. It was once associated with stress and diet, but while these factors might make symptoms worse, research indicates that they don’t cause the condition.

Ulcerative colitis affects both men and women. It usually begins before age 30, but some patients do not develop symptoms until after age 60. Family history seems to be a risk factor; people who have a close relative (such as a parent) with ulcerative colitis have a higher risk for developing the disease. People with eastern and central European (Ashkenazi) Jewish descent seem to have more of a risk than people of other ethnic backgrounds.

Many people with ulcerative colitis are able to limit their symptoms with appropriate treatment. However, patients should know that the disease can have life-threatening complications; the safest course of action is to take symptoms seriously and seek treatment.

Potential Treatments for Ulcerative Colitis

Although there’s no known cure for the disease at this time, medical treatments may limit symptoms. The goal of treatment is often long-term remission — in other words, the patient still has ulcerative colitis, but the symptoms are controlled.

Treatments and therapeutic options vary depending on the location of the ulcers, the patient’s history, and a number of other factors. A doctor may recommend several interventions, possibly including:

• Anti-Inflammatory Medications- These drugs reduce inflammation to limit the chances of new ulcers and relieve some symptoms. Doctors may recommend different medications depending on the part of the colon affected by the disease.
• Biologic Therapies- Biologics are also intended to reduce inflammation, but they work differently than anti-inflammatory drugs. Some neutralize certain proteins created by the immune system, while others attempt to stop inflammatory cells from getting to the colon.
• Immune System Suppressors- These medications are intended to prevent the patient’s immune system from causing inflammation, reducing the symptoms. A physician may prescribe several different immunosuppressants to a patient with ulcerative colitis.
• Herbal and Supplemental Treatments- A 2019 study published in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences found that supplements with ingredients like aloe vera gel, wheatgrass juice, and other herbal ingredients may reduce symptoms in some patients.

These supplements may work by reducing inflammation or supporting healthy immune system function. However, no supplement is approved as a complete treatment for ulcerative colitis.

Some physicians also recommend iron supplements to reduce the patient’s chances of developing anemia (iron deficiency) due to intestinal bleeding. Doctors may also recommend painkillers and other over-the-counter products to limit symptoms.

Patients should always speak with their doctors before taking any new supplement, vitamin, or therapeutic treatment. Some supplements can interact with medications and cause side effects. That includes over-the-counter drugs like anti-diarrheal medications and pain relievers.

Using Online Resources

The U.S. National Library of Medicine estimates that more than 750,000 North Americans are affected by ulcerative colitis, and for people with the disease, finding effective treatment can be difficult.

By reading more about the condition and its potential treatments, people can have open, honest discussions with their physicians and make appropriate healthcare decisions. Ulcerative colitis isn’t curable at this time, but it’s often treatable, and online resources can provide peace of mind for people who live with the condition.