The symptoms and causes of ulcerative colitis are nearly the same as most inflammatory bowel diseases. It mainly causes ulcers and inflammation in the digestive tract. In most cases, the rectum and inner lining of the large intestines are affected. The inflammation is generally gradual, and the symptoms develop and progress over the long run. Here’s what causes ulcerative colitis and its symptoms.

Causes of ulcerative colitis

1. Genetic factor
In many cases, ulcerative colitis often runs in families. This is because genetic factors often play a key role. Certain abnormal genes may be inherited, leading to the symptoms of this disorder. The risks are higher if a parent or both parents of a sibling have ulcerative colitis.

2. Environmental factors
Several environmental factors may lead to the onset of ulcerative colitis. It has been observed that certain substances or organisms trigger the functions of the immune system. In some people, antigens, viruses, and bacteria can affect immunity, causing ulcerative colitis. These organisms are generally present in the environment that a person frequently inhabits, such as home or workplace.

3. Autoimmune disorders
Health disorders related to a weakened immune system can also lead to ulcerative colitis. This is mainly because this disease is often the result of an overactive immune system. The immune system attacks the large intestines and other organs close to it in the digestive tract. In such cases, the risk of colon inflammation is high. If a person has a type of autoimmune disorder, they have a higher chance of getting ulcerative colitis.

Symptoms of ulcerative colitis
The symptoms of ulcerative colitis often vary from person to person. It generally depends on the severity of the inflammation. The types of symptoms depend on the area of the digestive tract where the inflammation has occurred. Also, the symptoms change over time. In most cases, the symptoms arise through periodic remission and flare-ups. That is, there will be no symptoms or mild symptoms at the initial stage. Over time, the symptoms progress in severity. In general, some of the common symptoms include the following.

1. Diarrhea
This is one of the most common symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Some people experience diarrhea with pus or blood. Whenever the inflammation is severe, the urge to empty the bowel can be persistent. In such cases, certain foods often trigger the flare-up leading to diarrhea.

2. Abdominal pain
A person may experience cramps in the abdominal area. The pain and cramps may occur before emptying the bowels or during the process. The pain sometimes extends to the joints as well.

3. Fatigue
The constant feeling of tiredness is another common sign of ulcerative colitis. The fatigue is generally a result of several other factors. For instance, ulcerative colitis can cause a loss of appetite and nausea, leading one to feel weak. Moreover, diarrhea may cause the body to absorb less nutrients and lead to dehydration. This can be another factor for an increased feeling of tiredness.

If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, consult the doctor at the earliest for a timely diagnosis and treatment.