Colitis Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

These factors increase your chance of developing UC. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:

Diarrhea
Abdominal cramps and pain
Rectal bleeding
Anemia
Weight loss
Fatigue, weakness
Nausea
Fever

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.

Tests may include:

Blood tests
Stool test
Barium enema —injection of fluid into the rectum that makes your colon show up on an x-ray so the doctor can see abnormal spots in your colon
Flexible sigmoidoscopy —a thin, lighted tube inserted into the rectum to examine the rectum and the lower colon
Colonoscopy —a thin, lighted tube inserted through the rectum and into the colon to examine the lining of the colon
Biopsy —removal of a sample of colon tissue for testing (may be performed as part of a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy)

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2026 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.