What are the most common symptoms of ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is inflammation of the lining of the large bowel and rectum. Inflammation can cause loose or watery stools, an urgent need to use the toilet, and a feeling that you still need to pass stool after going. Abdominal cramps, rectal bleeding, mucus, reduced appetite, tiredness, and weight loss may occur. Symptoms often fluctuate, with active periods followed by quieter periods. Similar bowel symptoms have other causes, so assessment is needed rather than self-diagnosis.

Keep a simple record of bowel frequency, stool appearance, pain, bleeding, temperature, food triggers, and medicines. Arrange a GP Consultation if diarrhoea persists, blood appears, or symptoms keep returning. A clinician may request stool and blood tests and decide whether specialist assessment is needed. Drink regularly and choose foods you tolerate; do not make major restrictive diet changes without professional guidance.

Seek urgent care for heavy or ongoing rectal bleeding, severe or worsening abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen, repeated vomiting, fainting, confusion, high fever, or inability to keep fluids down. Rapidly worsening diarrhoea with weakness or signs of dehydration also needs prompt review. Do not delay assessment because symptoms briefly improve.

Ask whether your symptoms could fit Ulcerative Colitis, which stool or blood tests are appropriate, how to manage a flare, and whether Colorectal Cancer Screening is relevant to your history and age.