Colitis Symptoms
General colitis symptoms include pain, tenderness in the abdomen, depression, rapid weight loss, aches and pains within the joints, fatigue, changes and increased frequency of bowel movements, fever; colon tissue swelling, erythema (redness) of the exterior of the colon, ulcers on the colon (associated in ulcerative colitis) which can bleed, mucus in the stool, blood in stool and as well as bleeding in the rectum. Some forms of colitis are constipation so the stool and bowel movements would appear normal. There are times that diarrhea would present itself.
There are many other symptoms in colitis which may include: bloating, indigestion, gas, reflux, heartburn, GORD (gastro oesophageal reflux disease, cramps, urgency and many other uncomfortable aches in the gastrointestinal system.
Symptoms of colitis will depend upon the type of colitis that is present. Generally, it is associated with abdominal pain and diarrhea but other symptoms may include tenesmus which is the constant urge to have a bowel movement. Constant pain is also associated. Chills and other signs of infection and inflammation may be present depending upon the cause of colitis.
A person should seek medical care if there is persistent diarrhea, fever, dehydration, significant abdominal pain and if there is blood in the bowel movement.
Upon going to the hospital, the health care provider would run some common tests that would reveal the signs. The tests include, X-rays of the colon, testing the stool for blood and pus, sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy. Stool cultures and blood tests, including blood chemistry tests are additional exams. One typical finding in acute exacerbations of colitis is a high erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).
Like most illnesses, the diagnosis begins with a thorough history by a physician. It is crucial to learn about the onset and duration of the symptoms and any other complaints the patient may have, since the complaint is usually abdominal pain and diarrhea. The causes of diarrhea are relatively benign and self-limiting. So, the questions that may be asked are related to search for some of the causes known.
An important concern of the physician would be whether there is blood in the bowel movement. This process may lead to the diagnosis of colitis or colon cancer which is another important cause of blood in the stool. Blood in the stool shouldn’t be ignored.
The questions would definitely include: time of onset of symptoms, duration of the pain, frequency of diarrhea, and whether there are any other associated complaints. Other questions may be about the lifestyle, recent travel and unusual diet of the patient, especially if an infectious cause is being considered.
The medical history of the person is also important to assess the risk factors for peripheral vascular disease or the narrowing of the arteries. These include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes.
Physical examination will focus on the abdomen. The physician will palpate or feel the areas of tenderness, for unusual masses, or abnormally enlarged organs like the liver, spleen, and kidney. Vital signs are an important part of the physical examination. The health care provider would take the temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiratory rate because this will help guide the direction of testing. Lastly, while it is unpleasant, it is of utmost importance that the physician would do rectal examination to be able to feel the inside of the rectum and try to find a mass or tumor.
-- VDoctor
Colitis Symptoms Recommended Resources:
University of Maryland Medical Center
Joshua Jackson 15.04.09 at 07:16am dolores stricchiola 21.05.09 at 16:41pm Marie 19.12.09 at 10:16am stacy Pasoni 22.01.10 at 11:35am Julz 24.04.10 at 01:46am nigneeftore 07.06.10 at 10:16am
