Symptoms of ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is inflammation of the inner lining of the colon and rectum. Symptoms may come and go, with quieter periods between flares. Blood or mucus in stool, urgency and tenesmus—a feeling that you still need to pass stool after going—can occur. Ongoing inflammation may contribute to tiredness, especially when bleeding or reduced intake is present. Similar symptoms can result from infection, medicines or other bowel conditions, so symptoms alone do not establish the diagnosis.

Book a GP Consultation if diarrhoea continues, blood appears in stool, or bowel urgency is disrupting daily life. Record stool frequency, blood or mucus, pain, fever, appetite and recent travel or antibiotics. The clinician may arrange blood and stool tests and decide whether specialist assessment is needed. Keep drinking fluids and choose foods you tolerate while waiting; do not start anti-diarrhoeal medicine when there is significant bleeding or fever unless advised.

Seek urgent care for heavy or repeated rectal bleeding, severe or worsening abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen, fainting, confusion, high fever, or inability to keep fluids down. Contact a clinician promptly when bowel symptoms suddenly become much more frequent, particularly if you feel weak or dehydrated. These features can reflect a severe flare or another problem requiring examination.

Ask which tests can distinguish ulcerative colitis from infection, whether you need a gastroenterology referral, how to manage urgency at work or while travelling, and which symptoms should trigger same-day care. Ask whether screening or follow-up is appropriate for your personal history.