What Are The
Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis?
Truth is, ulcerative colitis (UC) symptoms can vary from person to person.
UC can happen in people differently depending on the part of the large intestine (colon) that’s affected and the severity of the inflammation.
UC Symptoms Can Include:
UC symptoms can range from mild to moderate to severe based on where the large intestine is inflamed. These symptoms may not be the same for everybody, so it’s important to have an honest conversation with your doctor. Being open about your symptoms will help you and your doctor make the right treatment plan for you. Ask any questions you may have to get the right information as you move towards your treatment goals.
UC Inflammation Can Affect More Than the Large Intestine
The inflammation that causes UC symptoms can sometimes affect other parts of the body, with symptoms resulting in areas such as the:
Talk with your doctor if you experience any symptoms that you may not associate with UC, as they may be a result of uncontrolled inflammation.
How Inflammation Can Cause UC Symptoms
When the large intestine becomes inflamed, symptoms may return abruptly or suddenly get more intense in the form of flare-ups. Learn more about UC symptoms and how inflammation can cause them by using our inflammation tool.
An Overview of Ulcerative Colitis Disease Activity
- Up to 4 loose stools daily
- Stools may be bloody
- Mild abdominal pain
Ulcerative colitis affects everyone differently. Symptoms range in severity and there can be variations for each individual. UC is a progressive disease and will change over time in your body. Always partner with your doctor to get a clear idea of how your UC is affecting you. You may go through frequent flare-ups for a while, then periods with few to no symptoms, then suddenly your symptoms can flare up again. For times like those, it’s good to be prepared with resources like the Restroom Request Card.
Staying on track with your treatment as prescribed will help you manage your condition as you work towards your treatment goals.
3 Key Tips From Dr Millie Long
Gastroenterologist Dr. Millie Long talks about tips for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)—like Crohn’s or UC.
The Different Types of UC and Their Symptoms
If you have ulcerative colitis, you should know where your large intestine is inflamed. The type of UC you have impacts the symptoms and complications you may experience. And remember to always tell your doctor about the impact of your disease on your life.
Affects the rectum. Symptoms include rectal bleeding, rectal pain, and a feeling of urgency.
What Are the Different Complications of Ulcerative Colitis?
In addition to symptoms ranging in severity, UC can lead to other serious complications. In some instances, your doctor or specialist may recommend surgery to repair damage in the large intestine.
These complications include:
- Profuse bleeding
- Rupture of the bowel
- Severe symptoms that do not respond to medication
- Increased risk of colon cancer, due to chronic inflammation of the colon
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
- Anemia—Over time, blood loss from inflammation and ulceration of the colon can lead to iron deficiency
- Vitamin D deficiency—For people with UC, decreased vitamin D can lead to bone loss such as osteopenia† and/or osteoporosis.†† Corticosteroid use can make bone loss worse
† Reduction in bone volume to below normal levels.
†† A condition characterized by a decrease in both bone mass and density, causing brittle bones and usually occurring in older women.
Want to prepare for your next UC doctor visit? Use the Doctor Discussion Guide
Get a Restroom Access Card* and helpful info
Have a discreet way to ask for access to restricted restrooms if you have symptoms. And get updates, resources and more sent to your inbox.
*Eligibility restricted to patients diagnosed with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Available as a card and mobile wallet version for your phone.
