Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a condition that triggers excessive inflammation in the colon and rectum. It can cause a regular, urgent need to pass stools and diarrhea.
UC is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In the United States, around
People most commonly receive a diagnosis of UC
The
This article explains the link between diarrhea and UC.
UC causes inflammation in the inner lining of the large intestine — the digestive tract in which stools form, ready to pass from the body.
During UC flares, the lining
Looser stools are a characteristic of diarrhea. This means the inflammation that is the result of UC can lead to a person experiencing diarrhea.
According to a 2018 study of 269 people with different digestive conditions, 23% of those with UC experienced diarrhea.
While the study was small, its findings suggested that diarrhea is a less common symptom in people with UC than in Crohn’s disease, another type of IBD, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
UC diarrhea gets worse during flares and recovers during periods of remission.
Researchers are still unsure as to what can act as a trigger for UC flares. A
However, the review authors accepted that the available evidence did not make a convincing case for how stress triggered flares. Doctors need more research to understand the triggers of UC flares and their symptoms.
UC diarrhea often accompanies other symptoms, including:
There is no cure for UC. However, a person living with UC may benefit from managing diet and stress levels. This can help them relieve pressure on the gut and stay in remission for as long as possible.
Diet
No single diet or food has a proven link with triggering UC flares. However, some changes to the diet can help the body process foods more easily and reduce discomfort in the gut.
Following a low-residue or low-fiber diet can help people with UC diarrhea reduce how often they pass stool and improve their stools’ consistency.
Low-fiber foods include:
- white bread
- non-wholegrain breakfast cereals, such as cornflakes
- white rice
- white pasta and noodles
- cooked, skinned, and de-seeded vegetables
- lean meat and fish
- eggs
Other helpful dietary changes may include:
- eating more frequent but smaller meals throughout the day instead of three larger meals
- staying hydrated, as chronic diarrhea can increase a person’s risk of dehydration
- taking supplements to top up levels of nutrients that the gut may not be fully absorbing due to UC
Individuals with UC tolerate some foods well, while other foods may trigger a flare of symptoms. Tracking food intake by keeping a food diary can help people with UC identify and rule out their trigger foods.
However, getting rid of whole food groups, such as dairy, can deprive a person with UC of important nutrients. They should check with a healthcare professional or dietitian to find ways of cutting out trigger foods while maintaining a nutritionally complete diet.
Learn more about foods to eat and avoid with UC.
Stress management
More evidence is necessary to support the link between stress and UC flares. However, managing stress may help some people with UC reduce how often they experience symptoms. As a chronic condition, managing stress can also help to improve the quality of life for those with UC.
Stress management techniques include:
- regular exercise
- breathing exercises
- yoga
- meditation
- talking with loved ones about the realities of life with UC
Medications and surgical options are available
Medications
The medication options aim to reduce inflammation and immune system activity in the colon and rectum. Options include:
- aminosalicylates
- corticosteroids
- immunosuppressants
- biologics
Surgery
A healthcare professional may recommend surgery if symptoms do not respond to medications, if complications become life threatening, or if investigations find cancerous cells in the colon and rectum.
Surgical procedures for UC usually involve removing the colon and rectum. This will change how a person passes stool.
The following are some questions people frequently ask about ulcerative colitis and diarrhea.
How long does diarrhea last with colitis?
Flares vary in length depending on the individual. An
What does colitis diarrhea look like?
People with diarrhea due to UC often find that the stools contain blood, mucus, or pus. It may be runny and contain no solid lumps.
UC symptoms vary between people, but diarrhea is common. Many of those living with UC may experience 6–10 instances of diarrhea a day. This occurs due to poor fluid absorption in the gut.
A low-fiber diet may help to improve stool consistency and reduce the frequency of bowel movements. Healthcare professionals can also prescribe medications to prolong remission and suggest surgery if UC becomes severe.