How long does colitis symptoms last

Resulting abdominal distension can be severe, and patients should seek medical attention immediately. The goal of treatment is to prevent the bowel from rupturing. Increased risk of colorectal cancer: The risk of colorectal cancer increases with the duration and severity of the disease.

Detection Common tests for colitis include X-rays of the colon, testing the stool for blood and pus, sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy. Treatment The route of treatment depends on what is causing colitis. Infection: Infections that cause diarrhea and colitis may potentially require antibiotics, depending on the cause. Viral infections require fluids and time. Some bacterial infections, such as Salmonella, do not need antibiotic therapy; the body is able to get rid of the infection on its own.

Other bacterial infections, such as Clostridium difficile, require antibiotic treatment. Anti-inflammatory medications may be used initially and medications that suppress the immune system can be added if necessary. Surgery may be an option in severe cases, including removal of the colon and small intestine. Your doctor may also suggest meal replacement drinks if you're losing weight from UC flare-ups. Get some exercise: If you're experiencing symptoms like stomach pain and diarrhea, exercise may sound like the last thing you want to do.

But in addition to the well-known mood and health-boosting benefits of exercise, a workout can also have specific benefits for UC symptoms. Uncontrolled inflammation in the intestinal tract leads to UC symptoms. Exercise has an anti-inflammatory effect that can help these symptoms. UC doesn't have a cure. Instead, the goal of any treatment plan is to send the disease into remission. When UC is in remission, you don't experience as many symptoms and start to feel better.

If your UC medications and lifestyle changes work well for you, remission may last for months or even years. There are several different kinds of remission:.

With UC, it can feel like life revolves around symptoms. If UC symptoms keep coming back, it can be a sign that medications aren't working.

Consider taking part in a clinical trial researching an investigational treatment option for people living with UC. Understanding ulcerative colitis flare-ups. Causes of UC flare-ups Many factors play a role in how UC symptoms manifest themselves, including: Missed medications, incorrect dosing, and improper medication use : Taking your medication regularly is one of the best ways to prevent a UC flare-up. You may also experience extreme tiredness fatigue , loss of appetite and weight loss. The severity of the symptoms varies, depending on how much of the rectum and colon is inflamed and how severe the inflammation is.

For some people, the condition has a significant impact on their everyday lives. Some people may go for weeks or months with very mild symptoms, or none at all remission , followed by periods where the symptoms are particularly troublesome flare-ups or relapses. During a flare-up, some people with ulcerative colitis also experience symptoms elsewhere in their body. In severe cases, defined as having to empty your bowels 6 or more times a day, additional symptoms may include:.

In most people, no specific trigger for flare-ups is identified, although a gut infection can occasionally be the cause. You should see a GP as soon as possible if you have symptoms of ulcerative colitis and you have not been diagnosed with the condition. They can arrange blood or stool sample tests to help determine what may be causing your symptoms. Find out more about diagnosing ulcerative colitis. If you have been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and think you may be having a severe flare-up, contact a GP or your care team for advice.