According to MayoClinic.com, colitis is a lifelong inflammation of the inner layer of the large intestine, or colon and rectum. The most common type is ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis generally starts in the rectum or sigmoid colon, and then may spread to the rest of the large intestine. The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, but heredity and an overactive immune system appear to be risk factors. According to Merck.com, ulcerative colitis may start at any age, but usually starts between the ages of 15 and 30.
Pain in the Abdomen
Colitis may result in the development of abdominal pain, reports MayoClinic.com. Abdominal pain that occurs due to ulcerative colitis often appears in intense waves, followed by diarrhea, and then wanes. The pain is seen on the left side and can be continuous in nature, though it intensifies before and after bowel movements.
Diarrhea
MayoClinic.com states that diarrhea often presents with ulcerative colitis. When the ulcerative colitis is not severe, the stool may be normal, or hard and dry. However, mucus containing numerous red blood cells and white blood cells is discharged from rectum during or between bowel movements. Patients with severe cases may experience as much as 20 bowel movements in a single day. Diarrhea due to ulcerative colitis is often not responsive to over-the-counter medications.
Fever
Fevers are commonly seen early in patients suffering from ulcerative colitis. MayoClinic.com reports that patients may experience a fever lasting more than a day or two. Fever is usually accompanied with irritability and fatigue. The fever may return each day, especially later in the day, then repeatedly break during sleep. Patients may also experience night sweats in such conditions.
Tenesmus
According to Merck.com, ulcerative colitis may result in tenesmus. This is defined as a constant and urgent feeling of a need to have a bowel movement with little or no success. Tenesmus is often accompanied by pain and unintentional urge to strain.
Dehydration
Dehydration, a condition where there is an increased loss of body fluids, is an early symptom of colitis. It usually occurs after diarrhea, when vital fluids and electrolytes are lost and not replenished. Merck.com recommends drinking a lot of water to prevent any further complication that may arise due to dehydration.
