What are the symptoms of colitis?

Symptoms of colitis usually include the following aspects: 1. Abdominal pain: This is the most common symptom of colitis. The location of the pain may be imprecise, occurring in a localized area or throughout the abdomen. The nature of the pain varies and may include dull ache, cramping, or colicky pain, which can be either intermittent or persistent. 2. Diarrhea: Patients frequently experience diarrhea, with stools often being mushy or watery. In mild cases, bowel movements may occur 3–4 times per day; in severe cases, more than ten episodes per day may occur. 3. Blood in stool or mucus in stool: When the mucosa of the colon is damaged, it may lead to bleeding or increased mucus secretion. The color of blood in stool varies depending on the site and severity of bleeding, appearing bright red or dark red. 4. Nausea and vomiting: Due to inflammation irritating the gastrointestinal tract, patients may experience nausea and vomiting. 5. Other associated symptoms: These may include fever, tenesmus (a feeling of needing to pass stools despite the bowels being empty), and hypovolemia. Severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and generalized weakness. These symptoms may appear individually or simultaneously. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly if any related symptoms occur.