If you are experience abdominal pain, nausea, and changes in your bowel movements, you may be suffering from ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that affects the bowel or colon. It can cause inflammation that induces ulcers or sores on the lining of the colon, which then spreads upwards and causes even more pain and discomfort. Since there are more than one type of inflammatory bowel disease, you should be aware of what the risks are and what the common signs and symptoms are.
Causes and Risk Factors
Researchers previously believed emotional or physical stress could be the cause of ulcerative colitis, but there is still no definitive answer for why some people get it and others don’t. There are some risk factors that tend to be common among people with ulcerative colitis Roanoke, such as the condition running in the family, having a weakened immune system, and taking the drug isotretinoin for acne. The condition is also more common among Caucasian individuals, making that a possible risk factor.
Symptoms
In general, pain and discomfort are the most common symptoms of ulcerative colitis Roanoke. However, the different signs and symptoms vary somewhat based on the classification of the condition. There are several different classifications and a variance in the symptoms, as listed below:
Left-sided colitis – With left-sided colitis, you only experience pain on the left side. You may also have other symptoms, such as bloody stool, diarrhea, or weight loss.
Ulcerativ proctitis – This type of ulcerative colitis occurs in the rectum area mostly, so rectal bleeding is sometimes the only symptom. You may also feel urgency or mild rectal pain with ulcerative proctitis. Proctosigmoiditis – This type of ulcerative colitis is near the lower part of the colon and the rectum. You will have symptoms like abdominal pain, constipation, and bloody diarrhea. Pancolitis – Pancolitis affects the entire colon and causes severe pain or abdominal cramps, fatigue, weight loss, and bloody diarrhea.
Fulminant colitis – The most rare and life-threatening type of ulcerative colitis is fulminant colitis. It causes diarrhea excessively, severe pain, and can also cause dehydration or shock.
When Should You See a Doctor for Colitis in Roanoke?
Any time you notice a change in your bowl habits, you should consult a doctor. Also, if you experience symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, blood in your stool, unexplained weight loss, or a fever lasting more than two days and not related to another medical conditions, contact your doctor.
