What is the difference between ulcerative colitis and colitis

Contact Us Colitis and Chronic Ulcerative Colitis Colitis is inflammation of the lining of the colon large intestine that causes abdominal pain, diarrhea and bloody stools.

Signs and symptoms of chronic ulcerative colitis can include: Persistent diarrhea or loose stools Bloody stools Abdominal pain Cramps Urgent need to defecate Dehydration Constipation Weight loss. Find a GI and Hepatology Clinic. Request an Appointment. MyVirginiaMason Login. Learn what the data says and what we…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.

Inflammatory bowel disease. Ulcerative colitis. Diagnosing IBD. Inflammatory Bowel Disease. What Is Ulcerative Colitis? Lactose Intolerance: How to Tell the Difference. Read this next. Irritable Bowel Syndrome vs. Medically reviewed by Mikhail Yakubov, MD.

Medically reviewed by Saurabh Sethi, M. Medically reviewed by Graham Rogers, M. Understanding Digestion Problems. Allen — SH , TX. Alvin, TX. Arlington — Matlock Rd, TX. Arlington — North, TX. Arlington Heights Research. Bleeding or Blood in the Stool. Colonoscopy with Polypectomy.

Crohns Disease. Ulcerative Colitis. Depending on the location and severity of the condition, it may cause symptoms like: Diarrhea Pain and cramping in the abdomen Blood in the stool Ulcers Weight loss Loss of appetite Sores in the mouth Arthritis Fatigue Inflammation of the eyes Skin issues Fever In some cases, this condition can be debilitating and even life-threatening. If the baby stops having symptoms of allergic colitis, these foods were likely causing the problem.

In severe cases, monoclonal antibodies, such as those used to help treat inflammatory bowel disease IBD , may also be another treatment option.

Other causes of colitis include infection from parasites, viruses, and food poisoning from bacteria. You may also develop the condition if your large intestine has been treated with radiation. A doctor may ask about the frequency of your symptoms and when they first started. The doctor will perform a thorough physical exam and use diagnostic tests such as:. Limiting what you consume by mouth can be useful, especially if you have IC.

Taking fluids and other nutrition intravenously may be necessary during this time. Your doctor may prescribe various medications to help manage colitis symptoms. These may medications include:. Surgery for colitis could include removing part or all of your colon or rectum.

These surgeries could include:. The only definitive way to prevent a colitis flare-up is to have surgery. While every person may experience diarrhea and abdominal cramps from time to time, speak with a doctor if you have diarrhea that does not seem to be related to an infection, fever, or any known contaminated foods.

In all cases, early detection is critical to recovery. Early detection may help prevent other serious complications. Listening to your body is important to staying well.