How to Identify Signs of Colitis & How to Manage Symptoms
Colitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the colon or large intestine. This chronic digestive disease significantly impacts a person's quality of life, and causes uncomfortable symptoms. Understanding the signs and symptoms of colitis is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management. Keep reading to learn how to identify common signs of colitis, and different lifestyle medications that can help manage symptoms.
Common Signs of Colitis
1. Abdominal Pain and Cramping
One of the most prevalent symptoms of colitis is abdominal pain and cramping. This discomfort typically occurs in the lower left abdomen where the sigmoid colon is located, though it can affect the entire colon. The pain often intensifies before bowel movements and may temporarily improve afterward. For many patients, this cramping sensation can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that disrupts daily activities.
2. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a hallmark symptom of active colitis. Patients may experience frequent, loose and watery stools, sometimes containing blood, mucus or pus. During severe flares, some individuals may need to evacuate their bowels 10-20 times daily, which can be exhausting and significantly limit normal activities.
3. Blood in Stool
The presence of blood in stools is a concerning symptom that should never be ignored. In colitis, rectal bleeding can range from small streaks of bright red blood on toilet paper to dark, tarry stools indicate bleeding higher in the digestive tract. Sometimes blood may be mixed throughout the stool or coat the outside of formed stool.
4. Fatigue and Weakness
Chronic inflammation taxes the body's resources, often leading to persistent fatigue that isn't relieved by rest. This fatigue can result from several factors: the body's inflammatory response, anemia due to blood loss, poor nutrient absorption or disrupted sleep from nighttime bathroom trips.
5. Weight Loss and Reduced Appetite
Unintended weight loss is common during active colitis. This occurs due to several factors: decreased food intake because of abdominal pain, fear of triggering symptoms, nutrient malabsorption and increased caloric expenditure from the inflammatory process.
6. Fever and Night Sweats
Systemic inflammation can trigger fever and night sweats, particularly during severe flares. These symptoms indicate that the body is mounting an immune response to the intestinal inflammation. Persistent or high fevers may signal a complication such as an abscess or severe infection requiring urgent medical attention.
7. Urgency and Tenesmus
Urgency—the sudden, intense need to have a bowel movement—is a distressing symptom that can significantly impact quality of life. Related to this is tenesmus, the painful sensation of needing to empty the bowels but being unable to do so completely. This feeling of incomplete evacuation can persist even after multiple attempts to defecate..
8. Joint Pain and Skin Issues
Colitis can manifest beyond the digestive tract, affecting joints and skin. About 30% of inflammatory bowel disease patients experience inflammatory arthritis, typically affecting the larger joints like knees, ankles, elbows and wrists. This joint pain often correlates with intestinal flares but can sometimes occur independently.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While occasional digestive discomfort is common, certain symptoms warrant prompt medical evaluation:
- Persistent diarrhea lasting more than a few days.
- Rectal bleeding or blood in stool.
- Severe abdominal pain.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Fever lasting more than 24-48 hours.
- Signs of dehydration.
Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and help manage symptoms more effectively. Diagnostic procedures typically include blood tests, stool samples, colonoscopy and sometimes imaging studies to evaluate the extent and severity of inflammation.
Lifestyle Modifications to Help Manage Colitis Symptoms
While medical treatment forms the foundation of colitis management, certain lifestyle changes can help reduce symptom frequency and severity.
Dietary Adjustments
There is no single diet that works for all colitis patients, but many find that certain modifications help manage symptoms:
- Keeping a food diary to identify personal trigger foods.
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals rather than large meals.
- Staying well-hydrated, especially during flares with diarrhea.
- Limiting high-fiber foods during flares (while potentially increasing them during remission).
- Reducing intake of dairy products if lactose intolerance is a concern.
- Avoiding spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol which can irritate the digestive tract.
Many patients benefit from working with a registered dietitian who specializes in inflammatory bowel disease to develop an individualized nutrition plan that ensures adequate nutrients while minimizing symptoms.
Stress Management
Stress doesn't cause colitis, but it can trigger or worsen flares. Implementing effective stress management techniques can help:
- Regular practice of relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
- Yoga or tai chi that combines gentle movement with mindfulness.
- Adequate sleep hygiene to ensure restorative rest.
- Professional counseling or therapy to develop coping strategies.
- Support groups to connect with others facing similar challenges.
Finding strategies that work individually is key, as stress triggers and effective management techniques vary widely among patients.
Regular Exercise
Moderate physical activity can help manage colitis symptoms by reducing stress, improving sleep quality and potentially modulating inflammation. Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming and cycling are generally well-tolerated and beneficial for overall health.
During severe flares, exercise intensity may need to be reduced, but gentle movement is still beneficial when possible. Working with healthcare providers to develop an appropriate exercise plan based on individual circumstances is recommended.