Ulcerative colitis usually affects adults, but it can occur in children, too.
Children with ulcerative colitis can have a variety of symptoms related to inflammation. These symptoms may range from moderate to severe.
Children with ulcerative colitis often go through peaks and valleys of the disease. They may not have symptoms for some time, then they may experience a flare-up of more serious symptoms.
Symptoms may include:
- anemia due to blood loss
- nausea
- diarrhea, which may be bloody or have mucus
- lack of appetite
- fatigue
- stomach pain
- malnutrition, because the colon doesn’t absorb nutrients as well
- rectal bleeding
- unexplained weight loss
- nausea
Sometimes, a child’s ulcerative colitis may be so severe that it causes other symptoms that don’t seem to be related to the gastrointestinal tract. Examples include:
- brittle bones
- eye inflammation
- joint pain
- kidney stones
- liver disorders
- rashes
- skin lesions
These symptoms can make ulcerative colitis difficult to diagnose. The symptoms may seem like they’re due to a different underlying condition.
On top of that, children may have a hard time explaining their symptoms. Adolescents may feel too embarrassed to discuss their symptoms.
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