Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis

The symptoms of ulcerative colitis may vary from individual to individual, depending on how severe the inflammation of the colon or rectum is.

Signs of ulcerative colitis include:

• Diarrhoea (bloody or with pus)
• Abdominal pain including cramps
• Rectal pain
• Rectal bleeding
• The urgency to pass bowels
• Inability to defecate despite the urge
• Unexplained or unintended weight loss
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Inability to grow (children)

Signs of ulcerative colitis may appear from time to time. It is possible to have long periods of remission in between.

Certain symptoms of ulcerative colitis may be exacerbated and result in certain complications. Complications of ulcerative colitis include:

• Severe bleeding
• A perforated colon (hole in the colon)
• Severe dehydration
• Liver disease
• Osteoporosis
• Inflammation of the skin, eyes, and joints
• Heightened risk of colon cancer
• Rapid swelling of the colon
• Increased risk of blood clots in veins and arteries