Ulcerative Colitis is one type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). No one knows what causes IBD but the symptoms of ulcerative colitis can be treated and people with it can lead full and active lives.
Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis include: Frequent, loose bowel movements, blood and pus in stools, rectal bleeding, feeling of incomplete bowel movements, urgent bowel movements, severe straining with bowel movements, joint pain, rectal pain that comes and goes.
Diagnosis:
Endoscopy (sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy) to look directly into your rectum and colon.
Biopsy to take a sample of tissue from your colon. Done during Endoscopy.
Blood or stool tests to help rule out other problems, such as infection.
X-rays of your colon, if needed.
Treatment:
Ulcerative colitis can be treated. Help manage your symptoms by following your doctor’s instructions and watching what you eat (see recommendations under IBS for a starting place on dietary and lifestyle changes).