Ulcerative Colitis Symptom Characteristics

Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 01, 2024
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Ulcerative colitis is increasingly seen in clinical settings, especially among younger patients in gastroenterology. The symptoms typically include abdominal discomfort and abnormal stool, characterized by pain and distension in the lower left abdomen, and changes in bowel habits. Generally, the frequency of stool increases, often occurring more than a dozen times, at least six times or more. The stool characteristics are also indicative, generally appearing bloody and loose. Therefore, patients with ulcerative colitis need standardized diagnosis and treatment. The treatment mainly consists of two types: the first is lifestyle and dietary management; the second is medication. For diet, it is recommended that patients eat easily digestible, low-residue, high-quality protein foods to enhance nutritional support. Medicinal options may include drugs that regulate intestinal flora, protect the gastrointestinal mucosa, and others like amino salicylates. However, if complications such as gastrointestinal perforation, obstruction, or bleeding occur, surgical treatment is recommended. (Please consult a doctor for specific medication usage and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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Can colitis cause back pain?

Colitis is commonly seen in clinical settings and generally does not cause back pain. The typical symptoms include abdominal discomfort and abnormal stools. It may manifest as discomfort in the left side of the abdomen, such as bloating and abdominal pain. Abnormal stools can be reflected by an increased frequency of defecation, generally more than two to three times. The character of the stool may change; for instance, a patient who previously suffered from constipation may now experience watery diarrhea or have stools that are relatively loose, but generally, there is no accompanying bloody stool, commonly referred to as stool with blood. Symptoms can also include a decrease in appetite, nausea, and vomiting. Common causes of back pain are generally considered to result from the urinary system or spinal pathology, such as ureteral stones, kidney stones, or herniated lumbar discs, etc. It is recommended for patients to undergo further examinations to clarify these conditions.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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What medicine is used for colitis?

Colitis may involve choosing some medications that protect the intestinal mucosa and regulate the intestinal flora, along with other symptomatic treatments. If the intestinal inflammation presents as abdominal discomfort or significant illness, one might choose to use antispasmodic pain relief and antidiarrheal medications, which can generally achieve certain control. Ileitis is also relatively common clinically, with patients usually presenting with discomfort in stool or service and, after undergoing a thorough colonoscopy, inflammatory changes in the intestines are found, characterized by mucosal congestion, edema, and even scattered erosion and ulcer formation. Treatment options include oral medications, but in terms of diet, it primarily involves choosing clean, easily digestible foods and supplementing with some nutrients. Colitis generally presents with lower abdominal pain and discomfort in the lower left abdomen, typically occurring in paroxysmal attacks without specificity. (Please take medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)

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Written by Shen Jiang Chao
Radiology
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Can colitis be detected by an ultrasound?

Colitis cannot be definitively diagnosed with an ultrasound, as ultrasound is primarily used for diagnosing solid organs such as the liver, gallbladder, spleen, kidneys, and pancreas. For hollow organs, the diagnosis is obscured by gas and food inside the intestines, making ultrasound less effective. For patients suspected of having colitis, the best examination is a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy can clearly show the extent and severity of the inflammation. CT scans also hold diagnostic value as they can reveal thickening and edema of the colonic wall. CT scans are less painful compared to colonoscopies, which can be somewhat painful.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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Does colitis cause vomiting?

Colitis here is divided into acute colitis and chronic colitis. Acute colitis is caused by acute inflammation, mainly due to unsanitary diets. Its common symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fever. In this condition, vomiting occurs. The main symptoms of chronic colitis are abdominal pain, diarrhea, or seeing snot-like mucus in the stool. This condition is generally visible during a colonoscopy where the intestines show hyperemia, edema, and erosion. Vomiting generally does not occur in chronic colitis. If vomiting does appear in chronic colitis, it might indicate that there is also a problem with the stomach, such as chronic gastritis or gastric ulcers, etc., so further examination is needed.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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Is the routine blood test normal for colitis?

Patients with colitis generally have normal routine blood tests, indicating that their white blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets are generally normal. Patients with colitis commonly present clinically with abdominal discomfort and abnormal bowel movements. Abdominal discomfort typically manifests as discomfort in the lower abdomen and left side, with symptoms such as bloating, colicky pain, and dull pain, often occurring sporadically and generally related to diet and bowel movements. If abdominal pain improves after passing gas or stools, then the bowel movement abnormalities typically manifest as an increased frequency of bowel movements, generally more than 2 times. The stool texture is relatively loose, appearing mushy, and some patients may have watery stools. However, patients generally do not have bloody stools, and there are no clear changes in bowel abnormalities at night after a good sleep, so treatment is currently considered symptomatic.