Patient was instructed on the symptoms of ulcerative colitis as follows:
- Diarrhea
- The irritation of the intestinal wall results in diarrhea and loss of fluid and electrolytes.
- Dehydration
- Chronic inflammation of the large intestinal wall with ulceration of the wall can result in reduced water reabsorption from the large intestine and can present with symptoms of dehydration, such as, dry skin and rapid heartbeat.
- Low grade fever
- Low grade fever can be part of the inflammatory process involving the intestines.
- Malnutrition
- Chronic unresolved inflammatory bowel disease with ulceration of the intestinal wall can result in poor absorption of nutrients from the intestines and consequent malnutrition.
- Prolonged malnutrition can contribute towards weight loss.
