Symptoms
The symptoms of ulcerative colitis (UC) occur as flares or flare-ups. This is a period of active symptoms. A flare-up can last days or weeks and can recur at any time. Flare-ups often happen suddenly. The symptoms can include (but are not limited to):
- More frequent bowel movements-patients with severe UC disease may have more than 10 bowel movement daily
- Increased blood and/or mucus in your stool
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Rectal bleeding
- Urgent need to go to the bathroom
Remission
The goal of UC treatment is to attain and maintain the remission of symptoms in order to provide an improved quality of life.
- Remission means being without symptoms for a period of time
- Remission can span months or even years; however, symptoms can eventually return
Always tell your physician if you have experienced a flare or any symptoms since your last visit. Active UC means that you are experiencing symptoms, no matter the severity. Once you are used to living with UC, you may feel that milder symptoms do not disrupt your life. However, in order to know whether your treatment is effective, your doctor needs to know exactly what symptoms you are having and how often. Tell your doctor if you have experienced a flare or any symptoms since your last visit.
Diagnosis
Physicians diagnose UC from a patient's personal history, a physical exam and a series of tests which often include blood tests, stool samples and internal imaging tests, such as a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy.
It is important for you to discuss all symptoms with your doctor. Even if you are not currently experiencing a flare, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your UC. It is important for you and your doctor to understand how your condition affects you, and whether your current treatment is working for you.
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