Symptoms of Sigmoiditis
Aug 24, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Cheng Yicheng
Introduction
The main symptoms of sigmoid colitis include anemia, fever, abdominal distension, weight loss, fatigue, increased bowel sounds, insomnia, vivid dreams, and cold intolerance. Sigmoid colitis refers to inflammatory pathological changes in the sigmoid colon caused by various factors—such as infections by bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites, or protozoa—or by mechanical injury. Clinical manifestations may include mucoid stools and purulent bloody stools.
Colitis is a very common anorectal disease encountered in daily life—especially among middle-aged and elderly individuals. However, many patients remain unaware of its significance until symptoms persist for a prolonged period, often delaying optimal treatment. Therefore, enhancing public awareness and understanding of colitis is essential. So, what are the symptoms of sigmoid colitis?
Symptoms of Sigmoid Colitis
The primary symptoms of sigmoid colitis include anemia, fever, abdominal distension, weight loss, fatigue, hyperactive bowel sounds (borborygmi), insomnia, vivid dreams, and cold intolerance. Sigmoid colitis refers to inflammatory pathological changes in the sigmoid colon caused by various etiologies—including infections by bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites, or protozoa—as well as mechanical injury. Clinical manifestations commonly include mucoid stools and purulent, bloody stools. In mild cases, bowel movements occur 3–4 times daily; in severe cases, they may occur dozens of times per day, with visible blood in the stool. Mild cases may present without abdominal pain or only with vague abdominal discomfort; most patients experience mild-to-moderate abdominal pain—typically localized to the left lower quadrant or lower abdomen—with pain often relieved after defecation.
Patients with sigmoid colitis primarily complain of left lower quadrant abdominal pain, which may fluctuate in intensity. Abdominal pain may precede diarrhea, and may be accompanied by fever, nausea, abdominal distension, and anorexia. Additionally, varying degrees of chronic diarrhea occur. In mild cases, patients have 3–4 bowel movements per day, or alternating episodes of diarrhea and constipation. In severe cases, diarrhea may occur every 1–2 hours; some patients may even experience nocturnal or postprandial diarrhea. When the sigmoid colon is severely involved, stools become semiformed or mushy, containing abundant mucus—and sometimes frank pus and blood. Chronic ulcerative sigmoid colitis may also be associated with extraintestinal manifestations such as arthritis, iridocyclitis, hepatic dysfunction, and cutaneous lesions.
Patients are advised to adopt a rational diet: avoid spicy and irritating foods; eat small, frequent meals; and prefer easily digestible liquid or soft foods to allow the bowel adequate rest. We hope this information proves helpful.
