Colitis: Symptoms & Signs

Colitis is inflammation of the lining tissues of the large intestine (colon). People suffering from colitis may have typical symptoms and signs that include abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, and diarrhea. Some types of colitis may be associated with bloody diarrhea. Colitis can be part of a disease that affects other parts of the body, causing fever, chills, fatigue, malaise, and dehydration symptoms (weakness, decreased urine output). Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition that has other manifestations in the body, including mouth ulcers, joint swelling, and skin inflammation.

Causes of colitis

Colitis can be caused by infections, loss of blood supply, or chronic diseases. Allergic reactions can also cause colitis. Chronic causes of colitis include inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Loss of blood supply to the colon can be due to atherosclerosis, blood clot, or blood vessel disease. A number of different infections can cause colitis. Bacteria that can cause colitis include Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, Clostridium difficile, Escherichia coli, Yersinia, Chlamydia, Neisseria, and tuberculosis.

Other symptoms and signs of Colitis

• Abdominal Cramps
• Abdominal Pain
• Bloating
• Blood in Stool
• Canker Sores
• Chills
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Joint Swelling
• Malaise
• Mouth Ulcers
• Rectal Ulcers
• Skin Sores
• Weakness
• Weight Loss

symptomchecker

Health concerns on your mind?
Click here to visit our Symptom Checker.

SLIDESHOW

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Causes, Symptoms, Treatment See Slideshow