Frequent diarrhea, abdominal cramps, or blood in your stool can be signs of ulcerative colitis. It is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects your colon and rectum. Being an autoimmune disease, UC makes your immune system attack your gut lining to cause inflammation and ulcers.
By knowing the early signs and symptoms, you can seek treatment before complications arise. With modern medicine, you may get relief from your symptoms. But with Ayurveda, you can treat the root cause of ulcerative colitis by balancing doshas (Pitta and Vata). In this article, you'll learn the early and advanced symptoms of ulcerative colitis and know when to seek Ayurvedic help for long-term relief.
You will first experience mild digestive discomfort which will worsen as your ulcerative colitis progresses through different stages. If you notice these symptoms, you should take early action to manage the condition during the initial phases.
Frequent loose stools are one of the earliest signs of UC you will experience. You will notice that the stools are sometimes accompanied by mucus. Unlike occasional digestive issues that you may have had earlier, the diarrhea triggered by UC will be chronic and unpredictable. As a result, you will become dehydrated and fatigued.
UC will inflame the lining of your colon and cause sharp or cramping pain in your lower abdomen. The intensity of your pain will vary from mild discomfort to severe pain during flare-ups.
You may have developed ulcers in your intestines if you notice streaks of blood in your stool. You should not ignore this symptom as prolonged rectal bleeding will make you prone to anemia.
Due to ulcerative colitis, you will feel an urgent need to use the bathroom. You may also experience tenesmus. It is a sensation that will make you feel you need to pass stool even when your bowels are empty.
Your body will struggle to absorb nutrients properly once you have ulcerative colitis. As a result, you will lose weight without making any effort. Poor appetite, frequent bowel movements, and malabsorption will contribute to your unexplained weight loss.
Your energy levels will drop due to chronic inflammation and frequent diarrhea. This will make you feel constantly tired and weak. You may also develop anemia due to blood loss, further worsening fatigue.
You should not wait if you have these early signs of ulcerative colitis. You should consult an Ayurveda expert who will correct your digestive imbalances to prevent UC from progressing.
Your risk of severe complications will increase if you don’t get timely treatment for ulcerative colitis. Some of the severe complications of UC are:
Inflammation may spread throughout your abdomen and cause intense pain, bloating, and discomfort.
You may experience heavier bleeding, leading to dizziness, anemia, and weakness as your ulcers worsen.
Severe inflammation can trigger fever and chills, indicating an active flare-up or infection.
UC can increase your risk of arthritis, skin rashes, and eye inflammation as the condition affects multiple systems in your body.
Though rare, without treatment, you may develop a toxic megacolon. It is a life-threatening condition where the colon swells and stops functioning.
You shouldn’t ignore early signs of ulcerative colitis such as persistent diarrhea, blood in stools, or severe fatigue. You should connect with an Ayurveda expert who will focus on restoring your gut balance, strengthening your digestion, and reducing inflammation naturally through personalised guidance.