When to worry about blood in stool if you have ulcerative colitis

Bleeding can occur when inflammation makes the lining of the colon and rectum fragile. It may accompany urgency, loose stools, mucus, cramps, or tenesmus. Haemorrhoids, infection, medication effects, and other bowel conditions can also cause bleeding, so a flare should not be assumed from bleeding alone.

Note the number and character of bowel movements, blood, mucus, abdominal pain, temperature, and your ability to drink. Take ulcerative colitis medicines as prescribed and do not start anti-diarrhoeal or anti-inflammatory medicines without advice. Contact your gastroenterology team for a personalised flare plan and possible testing.

Get urgent medical help for heavy bleeding, fainting, severe dehydration, persistent vomiting, severe or worsening abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen, high fever, confusion, or profound weakness. These symptoms may accompany serious inflammation, infection, dehydration, or bowel complications.

Ask how to recognise your flare pattern, when to provide a stool sample, whether your medicines need changing, how to maintain fluids, and which symptoms mean you should attend an emergency department.