The development of chronic inflammation and skin lesions within the lining of the intestine can cause a medical condition referred to as ulcerative colitis. This condition is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect people of any age. Though a surgical procedure called a total proctocolectomy is the only cure for ulcerative colitis, medication and other treatment strategies are available to help you manage the side effects associated with this condition. If you develop ulcerative colitis side effects, speak with your doctor for further evaluation and care.
Abdominal Pain
The most common side effect associated with ulcerative colitis is abdominal pain. Inflammation within the lining of your intestine can cause pain, irritation and swelling to develop. As a result, you can experience mild to severe episodes of abdominal pain, cramping or bloating. These symptoms may subside for a period of time (remission) only to reappear later, a condition called an ulcerative colitis flare-up (relapse) by the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Diarrhea
Frequent diarrhea, which causes patients to produce watery, loose stools, is a common side effect of ulcerative colitis. Diarrhea can be embarrassing because the urge to use the bathroom can occur suddenly and can disrupt your normal activities, such as work or social outings. If you have ulcerative colitis, you might also detect the presence of blood in your stools. Certain people also develop rectal bleeding due to this condition. Such symptoms require medical care as soon as possible.
Weight Loss
Frequent abdominal pain and diarrhea can cause patients with ulcerative colitis to experience a significant decrease in appetite. Ulcerative colitis can also interfere with your body's ability to absorb nutrients and fluid from the food you eat. If this occurs, you can experience significant and unexplained weight loss as a result of ulcerative colitis, states the Temple University School of Medicine.
Nausea
Certain types of fatty, high-fiber or spicy foods can cause nausea to occur in people with ulcerative colitis. These types of foods can also increase the severity of other symptoms, such as abdominal pain or diarrhea.
Skin Lesions
Inflammation caused by ulcerative colitis can spread to other regions of the body. When this occurs, you can also develop skin symptoms due to ulcerative colitis. Such symptoms include skin or mouth ulcers, which can be painful and may spread across the body.
Joint Pain
Ulcerative colitis can cause inflammation to occur with joints throughout the body, a condition called arthritis. Painful or swollen joints can interfere with your ability to freely move your limbs and can make it difficult to walk or perform normal daily activities.
