Ulcerative Colitis

Types of Ulcerative Colitis and Their Associated Symptoms

The symptoms of ulcerative colitis, as well as possible complications, will vary depending on the extent of inflammation in the rectum and the colon. Because of this, it is very important for you to know which part of your intestine the disease affects.

One common subcategory of ulcerative colitis is ulcerative proctitis. For approximately 30% of all patients with ulcerative colitis, the illness begins as ulcerative proctitis. In this form of the disease, bowel inflammation is limited to the rectum. Because of its limited extent (usually less than the six inches of the rectum), ulcerative proctitis tends to be a milder form of ulcerative colitis. It is associated with fewer complications and offers a better outlook than more widespread disease. To learn more about ulcerative proctitis, click here .

In addition to ulcerative proctitis, there are several other types of ulcerative colitis. The following is a description of each type, together with some commonly associated symptoms and potential intestinal complications:

• Proctosigmoiditis: Colitis affecting the rectum and the sigmoid colon (the lower segment of colon located right above the rectum). Symptoms include bloody diarrhea, cramps, and tenesmus. Moderate pain on the lower left side of the abdomen may occur in active disease.
  
  
• Left-sided colitis: Continuous inflammation that begins at the rectum and extends as far as the splenic flexure (a bend in the colon, near the spleen). Symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, severe pain on the left side of the abdomen, and bleeding.
  
  
• Pan-ulcerative (total) colitis : Affects the entire colon. Symptoms include diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, cramps, and extensive weight loss. Potentially serious complications include massive bleeding and acute dilation of the colon (toxic megacolon), which may lead to perforation (an opening in the bowel wall). Serious complications may require surgery.