Gastritis and ulcerative colitis: what to know

Gastritis may cause upper-abdominal burning or discomfort, nausea, early fullness and indigestion. Ulcerative colitis commonly affects bowel habits, with diarrhoea, urgency, abdominal pain or blood and mucus in stool. They are separate conditions, although one person can have more than one digestive problem. Diarrhoea or abdominal pain alone cannot establish ulcerative colitis; a clinician considers the pattern, examination and tests.

Keep a record of stool frequency, urgency, visible blood, pain location, meals and medicines. Drink regularly, particularly during diarrhoea, and avoid foods that clearly worsen symptoms without adopting a highly restrictive diet. A GP consultation can review your history and arrange blood or stool tests, with specialist assessment when needed. Do not change anti-inflammatory or bowel medicines without medical guidance.

Seek urgent help for heavy rectal bleeding, severe or worsening abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen with vomiting, fainting, confusion or inability to keep fluids down. Arrange prompt review for persistent diarrhoea, recurrent blood in stool, fever, unplanned weight loss or symptoms that disturb sleep. Screening tests are different from tests used to investigate active symptoms; ask whether Colorectal Cancer Screening is appropriate for you.

Which symptoms point more toward the stomach or the large bowel? Do I need stool tests, blood tests or a referral? Could any medicine be irritating my stomach? What should I do if bleeding or diarrhoea increases?