Types of Ulcerative Colitis and their Associated Symptoms

The symptoms of ulcerative colitis will vary depending on the extent of inflammation and the location of the disease within the large intestine. Click on this link if you want to learn the general info about ulcerative colitis. Here are some of the most common types of ulcerative colitis:

1. Ulcerative Proctitis:

Bowel inflammation is limited to the rectum (usually less than six inches of the rectum) and is not associated with an increased risk of cancer. Symptoms include rectal bleeding, urgency, and rectal pain. This form of ulcerative colitis tends to be the mildest.

2. Left-sided Colitis:

Inflammation extends from the rectum up through the sigmoid and descending colon. Signs and symptoms include bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and pain on the left side, and unintended weight loss.

3. Proctosigmoiditis

Inflammation involves the rectum and sigmoid colon (lower end of the colon). Signs and symptoms include bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps and pain, and an inability to move the bowels in spite of the urge to do so (tenesmus).

4. Pancolitis

Often affects the entire colon, with bouts of bloody diarrhea that may be severe. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss.

References:
1. National Institutes of Health (NIH)
2. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
3. Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation

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