Abdominal Pain
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According to Rabia De Latour, M.D. at NYU Langone Health in New York City, abdominal pain is normal in ulcerative colitis, but the severity varies from patient to patient. It can range from occasional and mild to frequent and severe with many reporting cramping and dull aches.
Weight Loss
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Long-term inflammation in the colon can lead to digestive problems. "The ulcerative colitis stomach pain will prevent you from eating, and thus your body won't be absorbing the necessary nutrients and, in turn, leads to sudden weight loss," says Nana Bernasko, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). This disease can also lead to reduced appetite, nausea and poor growth in children.
Diarrhea
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Diarrhea is one of the most common signs of ulcerative colitis. It's essential to check in with your doctor if your bouts of diarrhea aren't getting better. The duration of this sign is also vital. If your diarrhea persists for a couple of days, it could be a result of something you ate or an infection. However, if it lasts for several weeks, it could mean something more serious is going on. Dr. Glenn H. Englander, a gastroenterologist, prefers not to subject patients to tests or invasive investigations if they haven't had this sign for a month unless there is blood in the stool.
Blood in the Stool
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Seeing blood in your stool is generally always a red flag. This warning sign is common when the inflammation is severe. It could be a result of something simple like an anal fissure or hemorrhoids. Nonetheless, it's prudent that you visit your doctor, as it could also signal something else is going on.
Anemia
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When you lose blood in the stool, you are at risk of losing iron in the process. For this reason, anemia is sometimes linked with UC, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. Feeling excessively tired and fatigued can be more than just the aftermath of a long day. It could be a sign of severe iron deficiency. Other warning signs of anemia include lightheadedness and pale skin.