The signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis can vary widely, depending on the severity inflammation and where it occurs. Following symptoms are common

• Diarrhea (frequency varies) i.e. increased bowel frequency
• Continuous
• Intermittent

It is important to note that most common cause of diarrhea is simple infection and not inflammatory bowel disease. In ulcerative colitis, diarrhea is often associated with blood and mucus in stool. Diarrhea in Crohn’s less common and it may occur if colon is involved

• Abdominal pain
• Blood in the stool
• Reduced appetite
• Weight loss
• Fever

The course of inflammatory bowel disease varies, with periods of acute illness often alternating with periods of remission (no symptoms). But over time, the severity of the disease usually remains the same. Only a small percentage of people with a milder condition go on to develop more severe signs and symptoms. In Crohn’s disease, there is tendency for the inflammation to involve deeper layers of the intestinal wall.