Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the large intestine, also known as the colon. It causes inflammation and ulcers along the lining of the colon, which leads to various symptoms. It’s crucial to know that some people are at a higher risk of developing the condition than others. In this article, we take a closer look at the risk factors and early signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis.

Risk factors
A couple of factors put individuals at a higher risk of developing ulcerative colitis. The most prominent one is having a close blood relative with the same condition. Also, white people and those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent are more likely to get the condition than others. Some environmental triggers like tobacco smoke and medications, like antibiotics and Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), are also thought to play a role in the development of ulcerative colitis.

Now that you’ve understood the risk factors, let’s know the top warning signs of ulcerative colitis.

1. Abdominal pain
Pain in the abdomen is one of the most common signs of ulcerative colitis. It can be accompanied by abdominal cramping and persistent muscle spasms. The pain can be mild or severe and may also affect the rectal area. Abdominal pain that doesn’t go away or increase in intensity may be a cause for concern. There are numerous other causes of stomach pain, so it’s best to visit a doctor before forming conclusions.

2. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is another common symptom of ulcerative colitis. People with the condition can have frequent, sudden, and intense urges to go to the bathroom. However, sometimes nothing may come out. Typically, inflammation in the rectum makes a person feel like emptying the bowel, even when it’s already empty. In general, the longer diarrhea continues, the more serious it is and can lead to emergencies like severe dehydration or a perforated colon. If diarrhea doesn’t go away in a couple of weeks, it’s crucial to check in with a doctor.

3. Rectal bleeding
In people with the condition, diarrhea may be accompanied by rectal bleeding. They may see blood, pus, or mucus in their stools. Blood in the stool might be an indication that the colon is considerably inflamed. However, in some cases, it could be due to something less serious, like anal fissures or hemorrhoids.

4. Fatigue
Tiredness or fatigue associated with ulcerative colitis is often debilitating, interfering with daily activities. However, fatigue alone cannot be linked to the condition. If it comes with other symptoms like abdominal pain or rectal bleeding, it may be a sign of ulcerative colitis.

5. Weight loss
Many people with ulcerative colitis find that they have lost weight without trying. This is actually because stomach pain, diarrhea, and other symptoms of the condition have kept them away from food, resulting in weight loss. Also, the body cannot absorb nutrients from the food it receives, which further contributes to a decrease in weight.