Types of Ulcerative Colitis
Topic Overview
The severity of
ulcerative colitis is determined by certain criteria.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.
References
Citations
- 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
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Peter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology |
|---|
| Last Revised | October 8, 2012 |
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Last Revised:
October 8, 2012
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.
