4 Early Signs of Ulcerative Colitis You Might Not Realize

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the colon. Unfortunately, the condition may go undiagnosed in many people because its symptoms are ignored or dismissed as not serious.

At Gastro Center of Maryland, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of ulcerative colitis. Our board-certified physicians offer the latest treatments to calm existing symptoms and prevent recurrent flare-ups.

We also value education about chronic diseases like ulcerative colitis, so people can identify early warning signs and get the treatment they need without delays.

Here’s an overview of ulcerative colitis, its causes, and the symptoms to look for.

The basics of ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a lifelong condition and a common type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), along with Crohn’s disease.

The root cause of ulcerative colitis isn’t fully understood but the medical community believes that inflammation in the colon stems from an abnormal immune system response.

Your immune system is responsible for protecting the body from germs and toxins. In the case of ulcerative colitis, a dysfunctional immune system can mistakenly attack healthy tissue in the colon, triggering chronic inflammation and tissue damage.

In early stages of the disease, ulcerative colitis causes mild to moderate symptoms that flare up for weeks or months. These symptoms can also go into a period of remission but may get worse with each flare-up.

4 early warning signs of ulcerative colitis

Early symptoms of ulcerative colitis are similar to other gastrointestinal issues, including temporary stomach upset and viruses. However, during a flare-up, symptoms of ulcerative colitis may be more persistent and last longer.

Here are four common symptoms to watch for:

1.Diarrhea

Loose stools often occur with ulcerative colitis. In some cases, diarrhea may be bloody or contain mucus or pus.

2. Bowel movement changes

Increased frequency or urgency in bowel movements is a common complaint among people with ulcerative colitis. You may feel like you suddenly need to use the bathroom or have to poop more frequently than you normally do.

Sometimes, ulcerative colitis causes urges to have a bowel movement but you’re not able to pass any stool.

3. Abdominal cramping

Abdominal cramping is a side effect of ulcerative colitis. You may also have belly pain and abdominal muscle spasm during an early flare-up.

4. Fever

About 40% of people with ulcerative colitis will experience a low-grade or chronic fever.

It’s important to note that fevers over 103 degrees require medical attention to prevent additional health issues.

Treatment options for early-stage ulcerative colitis

Our medical team offers diagnostic tests, including colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy to assess the health of your colon and identify the cause of your symptoms.

We design a treatment plan to address your current symptoms and prevent flare-ups from occurring. Your plan may include:

• Anti-inflammatory medicines
• Antidiarrheal medicines
• Biologics
• Pain relievers

You may be a candidate for surgery to remove your colon and rectum (proctocolectomy). Surgery is typically reserved for those with advanced ulcerative colitis symptoms and severe colon damage.

Our physicians also provide recommendations for lifestyle and diet changes that help prevent ulcerative colitis flare-ups.

Call the Gastro Center of Maryland office near you today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation of ulcerative colitis symptoms. You can also use the online feature to book an appointment.