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 Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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What are the symptoms of colitis?

Colitis can be divided into acute and chronic types. If it occurs acutely, it generally presents symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and bloating. Some may experience fever, chills, and body aches. These can be diagnosed with routine blood tests and stool tests. If diarrhea recurs over a period exceeding two months, it suggests chronic diarrhea, such as chronic colitis, which is also characterized mainly by abdominal pain and diarrhea. In the case of inflammatory bowel disease, besides abdominal pain and diarrhea, a significant feature often includes hemolytic disease. A definitive diagnosis can be made with a colonoscopy, often accompanied by symptoms such as weight loss, fatigue, or anemia.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Colitis is what disease.

Colitis is caused by various reasons, leading to inflammatory lesions in the colon. Depending on the cause, it can be divided into nonspecific inflammatory changes and specific inflammatory lesions. It can be caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites, with typical symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. Severe anemia and intestinal dysfunction may occur. Due to repeated diarrhea, an imbalance of acid-base equilibrium can happen. Patients generally see a gastroenterologist and require long-term treatment, as well as dietary adjustments.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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What is the worst outcome of colitis?

In the most severe cases of colitis, the following can be observed: 1. Extensive uncontrollable bleeding; 2. The appearance of toxic megacolon, which may be accompanied by perforation or infection; 3. Fulminant acute ulcerative colitis that responds poorly to treatment; 4. Severe narrowing of the intestinal lumen leading to intestinal obstruction; 5. Complication of colonic malignancy; 6. Severe ulcerative colitis causing the patient to suffer from severe malnutrition, unable to work normally, participate in social activities, or engage in sexual activities, etc.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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Ulcerative Colitis Symptom Characteristics

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 Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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Can colitis cause anal pain?

The main symptoms of chronic colitis include abdominal pain, diarrhea, or the presence of snot-like mucus in the stool. If there is anal pain, it may indicate the coexistence of hemorrhoids, as chronic colitis alone does not cause anal pain; anal pain is mainly due to hemorrhoids. Chronic colitis can be diagnosed through colonoscopy, which may reveal hyperemia, erosion, or edema of the intestinal mucosa, as well as white mucus adhering to the intestines. In terms of treatment, Western medicine primarily uses probiotics to regulate the intestinal flora, while Chinese medicine may involve oral administration of herbal medicines based on syndrome differentiation, as well as external treatments like moxibustion and enemas, which can also be effective.