What are the symptoms of ulcerative colitis (UC)?
The two most common symptoms of UC are diarrhea (often bloody) and crampy abdominal pain. Inflammation causes these symptoms. An inflamed bowel doesn’t allow as much water to be absorbed into the blood. This makes the colon empty often in the form of diarrhea. Inflammation also causes bleeding ulcers. The ulcers typical of UC also can make pus and mucus. Other common signs of UC include: • nausea • loss of appetite • weight loss • frequent fever For most people, the symptoms of UC come and go. When they feel well, the UC is said to have gone into remission. When they feel sick, they are having a relapse or flare-up. About half of the people with UC have only mild symptoms. For others, the symptoms of UC may be very uncomfortable. In severe cases, people can become malnourished and may need a special diet or to be fed fluids through a vein.
