Those who are most likely to get the disease include those with a close family member (father, mother, sibling) who has the disease, someone of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage, anyone who has a largely high-fat, high-sugar diet, and those who may already exhibit some minor autoimmune symptoms, including psoriasis, a rash-like skin reddening and flaking.

Yes, everyone experiences indigestion from time to time, and other diseases can cause fevers, vomiting, aches and pains, and other potential indicators of colitis. That’s why it’s important not to dismiss recurring problems outright. As with history, those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it. The problem is that colitis can progress from something mild to something major over time.

SYMPTOMS OF COLITIS

One of the problems of missing your colitis condition is that it’s easy to confuse it with indigestion. Most colitis attacks come after a meal, beginning as a dull ache and progressing from there. The abdominal pain from indigestion usually goes away quickly, but colitis can linger for hours. Seeking treatment is crucial, particularly if abdominal pains after eating seem to be getting worse.

You also may experience bloody diarrhea, bloody stool or rectal bleeding as part of the initial stages of colitis. Naturally, any bleeding isn’t good, as it can affect your general state and drains you of vitamins and minerals. If you notice something suspicious going on in the bathroom, it’s time to get a professional opinion.

Losing weight without a change in diet or exercise is also a sign that something may be going on. While many choose to attribute weight loss to the positive side of the ledger, believing that the one time they took the stairs at work has really paid off, it’s not something to be ignored if diet and exercise has not been the focus lately. In severe cases of colitis, such weight loss can lead to malnutrition and a host of more serious complications, including problems with the eyes and liver.