Ulcerative Colitis

Colitis, also called ulcerative colitis, is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes chronic inflammation and sores (ulcers) in the lining of your large intestine. Colitis usually develops slowly, and if it goes untreated, it can lead to debilitating symptoms and life-threatening complications such as haemorrhages, a perforated colon, bone loss, and an increased risk of colon cancer.

Symptoms

Some of the common symptoms of colitis include:

• Diarrhoea, often with blood or pus
• Abdominal and rectal pain and cramping
• Rectal bleeding
• Urgent need for a bowel movement
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Fever

When to see your GP

You should speak to your GP or arrange an appointment with a Consultant Gastroenterologist if you find blood in your stool, have ongoing diarrhoea that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medications, or have severe abdominal pain.

Causes

Doctors and medical researchers don’t fully understand the causes of colitis, although there are several contributing factors. For example, if you have a family history of inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease, you’re more likely to develop the condition. Similarly, if you have an autoimmune disease or other immunological problem, your body may mistakenly attack the cells lining your digestive tract.