ULCERATIVE COLITIS (UC)

Common symptoms of ulcerative colitis may include:

Rectal bleeding
Abdominal pain/cramping
Urgent need to go to the bathroom
Bloody diarrhea
Fever
Fatigue
Weight loss

Ulcerative colitis is one of two types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The other form of IBD is Crohn's disease. IBD is often confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) due to the similarity of their names. Although IBS may involve abdominal discomfort and altered bowel habits, it is not the same condition as IBD. Unlike IBD, there is no evidence that inflammation plays a role in causing IBS.

Contact your doctor if you are experiencing the types of symptoms listed above. Most symptoms can be managed with medication when taken as prescribed by a doctor.