These can vary depending on how much of the colon is affected and the level of inflammation.
Common symptoms include
There may also be
- tiredness and fatigue
- appetite and weight loss
- anaemia (shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, tiredness and pale skin)
- a high temperature (fever) of or above 38C (100.4F)
- dehydration
- a constant desire to empty the bowels (known as tenesmus)
Symptoms are often worse first thing in the morning.
Many people living with the condition will have long periods of months or years where they experience very few, or no, symptoms. However, in all cases, without treatment symptoms will eventually return.
No specific trigger that causes the return of symptoms has been identified, though it is thought stress may play a factor.
When to seek medical advice
If you experience a severe flare-up of symptoms you may need to be admitted to hospital as a precaution.
A severe flare-up is usually described as passing six or more blood stools in one day and having symptoms that suggest you are very unwell such as fever, rapid heartbeat, and anaemia.
If you think you may be having a severe flare-up you should contact your GP or the doctor in charge of your care for advice. If this is not possible then call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or your local out-of-hours service.
