Ulcerative colitis is an inflammation in the lower intestine, leading to bloody stools, abdominal pain, constant diarrhea and a reduced appetite. Diagnosis can be difficult because its symptoms mimic those of other conditions, such as Crohn's disease or Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Instructions
1. Take notice of changes in your bowel habits. If you notice a dramatic change, especially when it is accompanied by a fever, abdominal pain, weight loss or a loss in appetite, strongly consider seeing a doctor. Additionally, when considering the possibility of ulcerative colitis, look for other apparently non-related symptoms such as joint swelling and fatigue.
2. Decide whether to see a doctor. If you are not in pain and the symptoms are mild, you can try treating the symptoms yourself. But if you do have ulcerative colitis, you can only receive necessary treatments from a doctor.
3. Make an office visit. The doctor will ask you about your symptoms, and even though it might be uncomfortable to discuss them, she still needs all the information possible.
4. Get tested to help pinpoint the problem and determine whether it is ulcerative colitis. Your doctor will recommend the necessary tests, which could include lab tests, endoscopy or radiology tests or any combination of tests.
5. Follow through on your doctor's recommendations whether they are more tests, another doctor or changes in your lifestyle. In most cases, ulcerative colitis can be treated with medication, but in some cases surgery might be required.
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