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May 22, 2013
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Colitis (cont.)

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Colitis Symptoms

Symptoms of colitis will depend upon the type of colitis that is present, but in general, colitis most often is associated with abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Other symptoms of colitis that may or may not be present include

  • Blood in the bowel movement may or may not be present. Diarrhea can sometimes cause hemorrhoids, which can bleed. However, blood with a bowel movement is not normal and the affected person should contact their health care practitioner or seek other medical care.
  • Tenesmus may exist; this is the constant urge to have a bowel movement.
  • The abdominal pain may come in waves, building to diarrhea, and then waning.
  • There may be constant pain.
  • Fever, chills, and other signs of infection and inflammation may be present depending upon the cause of colitis.

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Colitis »

Colitis is an inflammation of the colon. It may be associated with enteritis (inflammation of the intestine) and/or proctitis (inflammation of the rectum).

Read More on Medscape Reference »


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