Ulcerative colitis: understanding inflammatory bowel disease

Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and sores in the inner lining of the rectum and colon. Most people with ulcerative colitis experience periods when bowel symptoms become active and quieter periods between flares. Diarrhoea, urgency, mucus or blood in stool, cramps, fatigue, and reduced appetite can occur. The extent and intensity of inflammation vary, and symptoms can overlap with infection or other bowel conditions. Abdominal pain and diarrhoea therefore need assessment rather than a diagnosis based on symptoms alone.

Arrange a GP Consultation for ongoing diarrhoea, blood or mucus in stool, urgency, or repeated abdominal cramps. Assessment may include blood and stool tests, a medication review, and referral for bowel examination when appropriate. Keep a record of stool changes, pain, temperature, appetite, and medicines. Drink regularly, choose foods you tolerate during a flare, and do not stop prescribed treatment without medical advice. Ask before taking anti-diarrhoeal medicines if you have blood in stool, fever, or severe pain.

Seek urgent care for heavy rectal bleeding, severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen, repeated vomiting, faintness, confusion, high fever, or inability to keep fluids down. A sudden major change in bowel symptoms can require same-day assessment. Follow-up plans may include Colorectal Cancer Screening or other surveillance, depending on your history and clinician's advice; screening does not explain sudden severe symptoms.

Ask whether your symptoms suggest active inflammation, which tests will distinguish ulcerative colitis from infection, and what treatment aims to control the flare. Ask how to take each medicine, what side effects to report, which foods and pain medicines may aggravate symptoms, and when follow-up is needed.