Colitis (ulcerative colitis) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes severe inflammation of the lining of the large intestine (colon). Though this condition can begin at any age, most patients begin to develop symptoms between the ages of 15 and 30, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Speak with your doctor to discuss potential treatment options if you develop any signs and symptoms of colitis.
Abdominal Pain
Colitis can cause ulcers, sores and skin lesions to develop along the inside of your intestine. Inflammation within the intestinal tissue caused by colitis can lead to abdominal pain. The pain can vary in severity from mild to severe. If you experience abdominal pain caused by colitis, you can also develop additional symptoms, such as nausea or abdominal cramping.
Diarrhea
One of the most common signs of colitis is frequent diarrhea. If you experience a persistent urge to have a bowel movement accompanied by the production of loose or watery stools, you may have colitis. Patients with colitis also develop rectal bleeding or blood within the stools due to intestinal bleeding. Prolonged episodes of diarrhea can contribute to malnutrition, dehydration and weight loss in some patients.
Anemia
Bleeding within the intestine due to colitis can cause some patients to develop anemia. Anemia occurs when your cells and tissues do not receive a sufficient supply of oxygenated blood. Symptoms of anemia can include pale skin, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, chest pain, fatigue and headache. This condition can also cause you to develop frequent sensations of cold within your extremities. If you have colitis and develop symptoms of anemia, speak with your doctor, as you may require additional medical care.
Fatigue
Irritation in the intestinal tract caused by colitis can interfere with your body's ability to convert ingested food into the energy needed to sustain you throughout your daily activities. When this occurs, you can experience tiredness or fatigue due to colitis. If you have colitis, you may notice that you have difficulty waking up in the morning or feel abnormally lethargic throughout the day. These symptoms may have a negative impact on your ability to complete school or work responsibilities.
Weight Loss
Colitis can prevent your body from absorbing necessary nutrients from the food that you consume. Frequent bouts of abdominal pain, nausea or diarrhea due to colitis can also lead to a decrease in your appetite. These symptoms can cause significant and unintentional weight loss in patients with colitis.
