Colitis: Symptoms

What are the symptoms of colitis?

Symptoms of colitis depend on the specific type of colitis and its cause. Symptoms generally affect the digestive tract, but can also include fever, chills and dehydration.

Common symptoms of colitis

Depending on the cause of colitis, you may experience colitis symptoms daily or just once in a while. At times any of these colitis symptoms can be severe:

• Abdominal bloating

• Abdominal pain or cramping

• Constant urge to have a bowel movement

• Diarrhea

• Excessive gas (flatulence)

Serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening condition

Some cases of colitis can quickly progress from a minor condition to a life-threatening situation, such as toxic megacolon (rapid, extreme widening of the colon) and shock. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have colitis and any of the following symptoms:

• Abdominal tenderness when the abdomen is pressed

• Bloody diarrhea or bloody stool (the blood may be red, black or tarry in texture)

• Change in alertness of level of consciousness, such as lethargy or passing out

• Fast or uneven heart rate or palpitations

• Frequent diarrhea

• Painful bowel movements

• Shallow breathing

• Symptoms of dehydration (loss of body fluids that can cause excessive thirst, dry mouth, light-headedness, dizziness, little or dark-colored urine, and weakness)

• Weakness (loss of strength)

Symptoms that might indicate a serious condition

In some cases, the symptoms of colitis may indicate a serious condition. Seek prompt medical care if you have any of these symptoms:

• Diarrhea lasting longer than two or three days

• Mild to moderate abdominal pain

• Nausea and vomiting that prevent you from keeping down liquids

• Recurring bouts of diarrhea