Ulcerative colitis is a disease that affects the large intestine. According to Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology, the large intestine is a 5-to-6-foot segment of the intestinal tract that leads to the rectum. Ulcerative colitis is classified according to what section of the large intestine is affected. Regardless of the location of the ulcerative colitis, the symptoms associated with the disease are generally similar.
Common Symptoms
The most common symptoms of ulcerative colitis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, include diarrhea, pain when having a bowel movement, cramping and rectal bleeding. These symptoms can range from mild, where little effect on daily life is noticed, to severe, where the condition becomes debilitating.
Less-Common Symptoms
Some of the less-common symptoms of ulcerative colitis include anemia, fatigue, joint pain, fever, nausea, weight loss and loss of appetite. Because ulcerative colitis causes loss of body fluids, the body may also lose nutrients.
Rare Symptoms
According to the National Institute of Health, osteoporosis, ocular inflammation, liver disease and arthritis are all rare but possible symptoms of ulcerative colitis. It is believed that these are caused when the immune system triggers inflammation; however, this hasn't been definitively proved. If a young child suffers from ulcerative colitis, failure to grow may occur.
Symptom Cycle
Most ulcerative colitis sufferers go through a symptom cycle that doesn't have a specific time line. When symptoms are absent, the sufferer is considered to be in remission; however, when symptoms are present, the sufferer is in the midst of a flare-up. Most ulcerative colitis sufferers develop the chronic form of the condition, which means that the cycle will continue long term. In rare instances, a sufferer may develop symptoms that don't return.
Cure vs. Control
The only way that an ulcerative colitis sufferer can completely cure the disease is to have surgery. The exact procedure will depend upon the location of the affected portion of the lower intestine. However, it is possible for sufferers to control the symptoms using a combination of medication, exercise and dietary changes. Even these control factors aren't a one-size-fits-all answer. The exact regime you will follow will be determined in conjunction with your doctor or nutritionist.
