Symptoms of mild colitis

Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
Updated on November 13, 2024
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Chronic colitis is characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and sometimes mucus in the stool resembling nasal discharge. These symptoms do not vary between mild or moderate to severe cases, as both mild and severe chronic colitis exhibit similar symptoms, making it impossible to distinguish between the severity from the symptoms alone. It is only possible to determine whether chronic colitis is mild or severe during a colonoscopy by observing the degree of mucosal hyperemia, edema, and erosion. Therefore, to differentiate whether chronic colitis is mild or severe, a definitive diagnosis must be made through a colonoscopy examination.

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Can colitis be detected by an ultrasound?

Colitis cannot be definitively diagnosed with an ultrasound, as ultrasound is primarily used for diagnosing solid organs such as the liver, gallbladder, spleen, kidneys, and pancreas. For hollow organs, the diagnosis is obscured by gas and food inside the intestines, making ultrasound less effective. For patients suspected of having colitis, the best examination is a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy can clearly show the extent and severity of the inflammation. CT scans also hold diagnostic value as they can reveal thickening and edema of the colonic wall. CT scans are less painful compared to colonoscopies, which can be somewhat painful.

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Which part to massage for colitis?

Firstly, one can massage certain areas of the abdomen, such as Zhongwan, Tianshu, and Liangmen, as well as the Guanyuan point in the lower abdomen. The massage should progress from gentle to firm, using the small fish edge for rolling techniques or the large fish edge for pressing techniques, and finally pinpoint massage on certain abdominal acupoints. The second area for massage is the distal extremities, such as the legs where you can massage points like Zusanli, Shangjuxu, Xiajuxu, Sanyinjiao, and Yinlingquan, and in the hands at points like Sanli and Neiguan, to alleviate symptoms of colitis. Of course, if the massage is performed by another person, back acupoints such as Weishu, Dachangshu, and Sanjiaoshu can also be massaged to effectively relieve symptoms of colitis.

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Can colitis turn into cancer?

Colitis is considered a benign lesion clinically and generally does not transform into cancer. Therefore, patients do not need to worry too much. The diagnosis of colitis mainly relies on colonoscopy. Most patients undergo colonoscopy due to abdominal discomfort or abnormal stools. The abdominal discomfort is primarily in the lower abdomen or lower left abdomen, presenting as pain and distension. Abnormal stools can clinically manifest as changes in the frequency of bowel movements, changes in stool texture to harder or thinner, and so on. Most patients do not exhibit alarming symptoms such as bloody stools, weight loss, or decreased appetite. Colonoscopy is frequently used clinically and can generally serve to differentiate between colitis and colon cancer. Most patients can tolerate a colonoscopy, so there is no need for patients to resist undergoing this examination.

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What are the symptoms of colitis?

Colitis can be divided into acute and chronic types. If it occurs acutely, it generally presents symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and bloating. Some may experience fever, chills, and body aches. These can be diagnosed with routine blood tests and stool tests. If diarrhea recurs over a period exceeding two months, it suggests chronic diarrhea, such as chronic colitis, which is also characterized mainly by abdominal pain and diarrhea. In the case of inflammatory bowel disease, besides abdominal pain and diarrhea, a significant feature often includes hemolytic disease. A definitive diagnosis can be made with a colonoscopy, often accompanied by symptoms such as weight loss, fatigue, or anemia.

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Ulcerative Colitis Symptom Characteristics

Ulcerative colitis is increasingly seen in clinical settings, especially among younger patients in gastroenterology. The symptoms typically include abdominal discomfort and abnormal stool, characterized by pain and distension in the lower left abdomen, and changes in bowel habits. Generally, the frequency of stool increases, often occurring more than a dozen times, at least six times or more. The stool characteristics are also indicative, generally appearing bloody and loose. Therefore, patients with ulcerative colitis need standardized diagnosis and treatment. The treatment mainly consists of two types: the first is lifestyle and dietary management; the second is medication. For diet, it is recommended that patients eat easily digestible, low-residue, high-quality protein foods to enhance nutritional support. Medicinal options may include drugs that regulate intestinal flora, protect the gastrointestinal mucosa, and others like amino salicylates. However, if complications such as gastrointestinal perforation, obstruction, or bleeding occur, surgical treatment is recommended. (Please consult a doctor for specific medication usage and do not self-medicate.)