Understanding ulcerative colitis

The condition affects the inner lining of the rectum and colon. Inflammation can produce frequent loose stools, urgency, blood or mucus, abdominal pain and tiredness. Symptoms may flare and then settle for a time. The pattern and severity vary, and diarrhoea or abdominal pain alone can have other causes. Assessment may include a history, examination, blood tests, stool tests and sometimes a camera test of the bowel. Ulcerative colitis is different from irritable bowel syndrome because it involves visible inflammation.

Arrange a GP consultation for ongoing diarrhoea, blood in the stool, repeated urgency or unexplained weight loss. Keep a record of stool frequency, bleeding, pain, fever, medicines and foods, without removing major food groups unnecessarily. Treatment is tailored to the affected bowel area and activity; it may include anti-inflammatory medicines, steroids for selected flares, immune-modifying treatment or surgery. Take prescribed medicines consistently and discuss side effects before stopping them. Your clinician may also discuss colorectal cancer screening when appropriate.

Seek urgent help for heavy or persistent rectal bleeding, severe or rapidly increasing abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen, high fever, repeated vomiting, fainting or inability to keep fluids down. A severe flare can lead to dehydration or serious bowel complications and requires prompt assessment.

Ask which tests will clarify the diagnosis, how to recognise your flare pattern, what treatment to use during worsening symptoms, whether medicines need monitoring, and when screening or specialist review is due.