types of ulcerative colitis
overview
the severity of ulcerative colitis is determined by certain criteria.footnote 1 ulcerative colitis can be classified as mild, moderate, severe, or fulminant (very severe), which may guide treatment choices.
people who have mild ulcerative colitis may have:
- fewer than four bowel movements (stools) a day.
- no bleeding or a small amount of bleeding with stools.
- normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate (esr).
people who have mild ulcerative colitis do not have fever, rapid heartbeat, or anemia.
people who have moderate ulcerative colitis may have:
- more than four stools a day.
- mild elevation in esr.
people who have severe ulcerative colitis may have:
- more than six bloody stools a day (loose stools).
- fever, rapid heartbeat, and anemia.
- an elevated esr.
people who have fulminant ulcerative colitis may have:
- more than 10 stools a day (loose stools).
- constant bleeding from the rectum.
- fever, rapid heartbeat, and anemia.
- cramping belly pain and bloating.
- an expanded colon (as seen on an x-ray).
- a need for blood transfusions.
flare-ups can be so severe that they require hospitalization.
credits
current as of: october 19, 2023
author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
current as of: october 19, 2023
author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
kornbluth a, sachar db (2010). ulcerative colitis practice guidelines in adults: american college of gastroenterology, practice parameters committee. american journal of gastroenterology, 105(3): 501–523. available online: http://www.nature.com/ajg/journal/v105/n3/full/ajg2009727a.html.
