Ulcerative colitis symptoms: Five signs of inflammatory bowel … – Express.co.uk

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In ulcerative colitis, tiny ulcers develop on the surface of the lining of the large bowel.

Ulcerative colitis only affects the colon (large intestine) but Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive system, from the mouth to the anus.

Charity Crohns and Colitis UK said: Its estimated that UC affects about one in every 420 people in the UK - roughly 146,000 people.

The inflammation usually begins in the rectum and lower colon, but it may affect the entire colon.

If ulcerative colitis only affects the rectum, it is called proctitis, while if it affects the whole colon it may be called total colitis or pancolitis.

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Although symptoms will vary between sufferers, the main symptoms of ulcerative colitis are:

Recurring diarrhoea, which may contain blood, mucus or pus Abbdominal (tummy) pain Needing to empty your bowels frequently Anaemia (a reduced level of red blood cells). Loss of appetite and weight loss

Ulcerative Colitis is a chronic condition - which means that it is ongoing.

It is believed to be an auto-immune condition which mens the immune system - the bodys defence against infection - can go wrong and attack healthy tissue.

As yet there is no cure for the condition - it can be treated with drugs but people can also attempt to manage the condition with diet.

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Colitis and Crohn's disease symptoms

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NHS Choices said: The severity of the symptoms varies, depending on how much of the rectum and colon is inflamed and how severe the inflammation is.

For some people, the condition has a significant impact on their everyday lives.

Some people can go for weeks or month only experiencing mild symptoms - or even none at all.

However, there can be periods where the symptoms flare-up.

During a flare-up, people with colitis can experience symptoms elsewhere in their body.

The inflammation usually begins in the rectum and lower colon, but it may affect the entire colon.

In severe cases people can suffer with shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, high temperature and blood in stools.

These can include painful and swollen joints and arthritis, mouth ulcers, areas of painful, red and swollen skin and irritated and red eyes.

The condition is also linked to liver inflammation, weaker bones and blood clots.

Arthritis affects around one in ten people with ulcerative colitis.

The condition can affect people of any age, but it most commonly starts between the ages of 15 and 25. It affects men and women equally.

FIVE SYMPTOMS OF CROHN'S DISEASE

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