Why Your Poop Changes
Ulcerative colitis(UC)is a lifelong inflammatory disease of thecolon and rectum.
This article explains how ulcerative colitis causes changes in stools and bowel movements.
It also lists foods that trigger UC flares and ways to effectively treat stool-related symptoms of ulcerative colitis.
Verywell / Laura Porter
Verywell / Laura Porter
Why Does Ulcerative Colitis Affect Stool?
Ulcerative colitis is achroniccondition, meaning that it is persistent with recurrent episodes.
Currently, there is no cure for UC.
sabelskaya / Getty Images
Frequent bowel movementsare more characteristic of ulcerative colitis.
The severity of UC is classified as follows:
Infrequent bowel movementscan occur in ulcerative proctitis.
Other symptoms include:
What Foods Trigger Stool-Related Symptoms?
While diet is not a cause of UC, certain foods and beverages make symptoms worse.
The various food triggers commonly associated with UC can vary from one person to the next.
It also stimulates feel-good hormones calledendorphinswhich can improve moods and help lift UC-related fatigue.
Quitting cigarettes should also be a part of the treatment plan.
Summary
Ulcerative colitis can produce changes in your stool and bowel habits.
These commonly include diarrhea, bowel urgency, bloody stools, mucus, and abdominal pain.
People with inflammation of the rectum only (ulcerative proctitis) may have constipation.
Recognizing the onset of UC symptoms allows you to access treatment faster before they turn severe.
American Gastroenterological Association.Overview of ulcerative colitis.
Crohns and Colitis Canada.Bleeding and blood in the stool.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Ulcerative colitis: introduction.
