Inflammatory bowel disease is the medical term for illnesses associated with chronic inflammation of the intestines. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are the two types of inflammatory bowel disease. Both disorders involve damage to the colon mediated by abnormal inflammation. The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America reports up to 1 million Americans have inflammatory bowel disease. Colon inflammation symptoms associated with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis reflect functional impairments caused by these disorders.
Abdominal Pain
The American Gastroenterological Association explains that abdominal pain is a common symptom of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. With ulcerative colitis, the disease is limited to the large intestine. Cramping pain in the lower abdomen is typical. Crohn's disease usually affects the last segment of the small intestine with variable involvement of the large intestine. Abdominal pain with tenderness is characteristic of Crohn's disease. The pain is frequently located in the lower right area of the abdomen where the small and large intestine meet.
Rectal Pain
The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals notes that ulcerative colitis typically begins in the rectum, the last portion of the large intestine. The rectum collects stool until it is passed during a bowel movement. Ulcerations of the rectum associated with ulcerative colitis typically cause rectal pain. Rectal involvement with Crohn's disease is uncommon.
Tenesmus
Tenesmus is a painful, urgent sensation to move the bowels, typically causing involuntary straining and cramping. The Mayo Clinic notes this distressing symptom can occur with ulcerative colitis during disease flares. Tenesmus is less common with Crohn's disease.
Bloody Diarrhea
According to the American Gastroenterological Association, bloody diarrhea is a common symptom of inflammatory bowel disease. Inflammation of the intestinal wall and accompanying swelling disrupt normal intestinal absorption of water, leading to diarrhea. Ulcerations in the intestinal wall often cause bleeding, which may be substantial and result in anemia. Mucus or pus may be present, along with blood in the stool.
Loss of Appetite and Unintended Weight Loss
The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals notes that loss of appetite and unintended weight loss occur commonly during inflammatory bowel disease flares. A flare is a period in which the disease is active. Both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease have a typical pattern of disease flares interspersed with periods of remission. The combined effects of loss of appetite and decreased absorption of nutrients from the inflamed intestine precipitate weight loss during disease flares.
Intermittent Fever and Malaise
The Mayo Clinic advises fever is often a heralding symptom of inflammatory bowel disease flares. Malaise, a general sense of feeling unwell, typically accompanies the onset of fever. A high fever may signal a complication known as toxic colitis, in which bacteria from the colon infect the abdominal cavity and bloodstream. This condition is a medical emergency.
References
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Crohn's Disease
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Ulcerative Colitis
- Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals: Crohn's Disease
- Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals: Ulcerative Colitis
- American Gastroenterological Association: Crohn's Disease
