Colitis, also known as ulcerative colitis, is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Symptoms usually develop gradually, worsening over time.
And while colitis can be debilitating and lead to serious complications, treatment can go a long way toward improving your quality of life and bringing about remission.
Dr. Sreelatha Reddy and the team at Houston Gastrointestinal & Liver Clinic, P.A. in Sugar Land, Texas, diagnose and treat colitis so you can experience relief without surgery.
The earlier you start treatment for colitis, the better. Here, we explore some of the most common signs to look for.
1. Abdominal pain
When you have ulcerative colitis, inflammation and sores in your digestive tract can bring on bothersome belly pain . Your pain might feel like a tight cramp or charley horse in your gut. You might notice that the abdominal pain flares up before or during a bowel movement.
2. Bleeding with bowel movements
Passing small amounts of blood with stool is common with colitis. Also known as rectal bleeding, blood that appears with bowel movements can stem from the lining of your rectum or large intestine.
You can have such small amounts of blood in your stool that it isn’t noticeable to the naked eye.
3. Frequent diarrhea
Diarrhea, which may contain blood or pus, is the most common sign of colitis. Your diarrhea symptoms may come and go periodically or worsen over time.
In severe cases, colitis-induced diarrhea is so sudden and intense that you may not make it to the restroom in time. You might also experience diarrhea shortly after meals or after eating certain foods, such as spicy curry or fiber-rich cereal.
4. Weight loss and malnutrition
Inflammation, reduced nutrient intake, diarrhea, and poor nutrient absorption involved with colitis can all lead to malnutrition and weight loss. You may also lose weight due to a reduced appetite linked with nausea or fatigue.
Dr. Reddy may recommend dietary supplements to make up for low levels of nutrients, such as:
- Calcium
- Iron
- Folic acid
- Selenium
- Vitamins A, B12, D, and K
- Zinc
Also, difficulty absorbing water and electrolytes can lead to dehydration, which can exacerbate weakness and fatigue.
Getting the treatment you need
Thankfully, an appropriate treatment plan can help keep colitis symptoms in check. Your plan depends on the specifics of your condition and your overall health but may include medications, lifestyle changes such as eating smaller, more frequent meals, and managing stress.
Surgery that removes parts of your digestive tract is reserved for severe cases that don’t respond to more conservative colitis treatments.
To learn more about ulcerative colitis or get the care you need, call Houston Gastrointestinal & Liver Clinic, P.A. today or request an appointment.
