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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.

related information

references

citations

  1. 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.

credits

current as of: october 19, 2023

author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
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