Is Nausea a Symptom of Ulcerative Colitis?

The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is not known, but this chronic disease of the large intestine carries with it an increase in the long-term risk of cancer. The condition is marked by an inflamed, ulcerated bowel, which can result in severe cramps, fever and explosive, bloody diarrhea. There are at least 40 reported symptoms of ulcerative colitis, including nausea.

Identification

Ulcerative colitis typically begins in the colon, but can affect the entire large intestine. The ulcers, or pits, in the lining of the intestine rarely penetrate completely through the intestine wall; the condition rarely spreads to the small intestine.

Considerations

Smoking cigarettes appears to diminish the risks associated with ulcerative colitis. However, due to the numerous detrimental effects of cigarette smoke, no reputable medical authority recommends smoking as a treatment for this condition.

Effects

Major reported symptoms of ulcerative colitis include violent, bloody diarrhea, high fever, abdominal cramps, peritonitis, dehydration and frequent intense urges to defecate. Other symptoms may include nausea, fatigue, anemia, rectal bleeding, joint pain and many others.

Potential Victims

Ulcerative colitis typically begins in persons between the ages of 15 and 3; however, it has been reported in young children and in the very aged. It has been postulated that heredity may play a role in the development of the condition. An overactive response of the immune system in the intestines may also contribute to the ulceration of the large intestine.

Complications

Untreated ulcerative colitis can lead to complications, some of which may be severe. The most common complication of the condition is massive bleeding that can lead to anemia. More severe complications may involve a perforation of the bowel leading to widespread infection. Serious and potentially deadly complications such as toxic colitis or toxic megacolon may also develop. Up to one percent of people who suffer from ulcerative colitis will develop colon cancer.

Resources

• American College of Gastroenterology