What to expect from a GP consultation for ulcerative colitis

Describe how often you pass stool, whether there is blood or mucus, urgency, abdominal pain, tiredness, appetite change or weight loss. Mention symptoms that wake you, recent infections, travel and medicines such as anti-inflammatory painkillers. Your GP may examine your abdomen, check your general condition and arrange blood or stool tests. These can look for inflammation, anaemia or infection. If inflammatory bowel disease is suspected, referral to a gastroenterology team may be recommended for further assessment.

Keep a brief record of bowel frequency, bleeding, pain, temperature and food or medicine changes. Bring all medicine names, including supplements, and say whether you have stopped a prescribed treatment. Drink enough fluid, particularly if stools are frequent. Do not start anti-diarrhoeal medicine without medical advice when there is blood, fever or significant abdominal pain. Ask how samples should be collected if tests are arranged.

Seek urgent help for heavy or persistent rectal bleeding, severe or worsening abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen, repeated vomiting, faintness, confusion or inability to keep fluids down. Fever with a marked flare, rapid deterioration or signs of dehydration also warrants urgent assessment. Contact your care team promptly if you already have ulcerative colitis and your usual pattern changes sharply.

Ask which tests are needed, whether a specialist referral is appropriate, how to manage symptoms while waiting, and which medicines to avoid. Clarify the warning signs that should send you to urgent care and when results will be reviewed.