Colon Inflammation: Recognizing the Common Symptoms

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that primarily affects the colon and rectum. This condition occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the large intestine, leading to inflammation and ulcers. Depending on the affected area, it can be classified into different types such as proctitis (inflammation limited to the rectum) or pancolitis (involving the entire colon).

One of the hallmark symptoms is a persistent urge to empty the bowels even after having a bowel movement, often described as a feeling of incomplete evacuation. The rectum becomes swollen and inflamed, causing irritation and a constant sensation of needing to pass stool. In many cases, patients experience frequent passage of blood mixed with mucus or pus.

As the condition progresses and involves more of the colon, systemic symptoms become more pronounced. These may include abdominal cramps, fever, fatigue, and bloating. In severe cases, complications like toxic megacolon can develop, resulting in extreme swelling of the colon and potentially life-threatening conditions.

For some individuals, standard medications such as corticosteroids may be required to manage flare-ups. In particularly severe or unresponsive cases, surgical intervention might be necessary to remove the affected portion of the colon. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management of ulcerative colitis.