Stomach pain: Bloating could be a sign of this more serious condition


Stomach bloating is often described as ‘when a person is finished with their meal but the meal isn’t quite finished with them’. This causes the tummy to stretch due to all the gases and can not only be uncomfortable, but can also be quite painful. Normally these symptoms go away in due time, however, if the pain becomes chronic it could be ulcerative colitis. How can you know if your stomach pain is ulcerative colitis?


The colon is the large intestine and the rectum is the end of the bowel where stools are stored.

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that can cause varying levels of pain.

Colitis is sometimes described as a chronic condition.

This means that it is ongoing and lifelong, although a person may have long periods of good health known as remission, as well relapses or flare-ups when the symptoms are more active.

If left untreated, the pain associated with ulcerative colitis can make it difficult to work, exercise, or enjoy daily activities.

The NHS said: “Small ulcers can develop on the colon’s lining, and can bleed and produce pus.

“The main symptoms of ulcerative colitis are recurring diarrhoea which may contain blood, mucus or pus, tummy pain, and needing to empty the bowels frequently.”

Knowing more about ulcerative colitis can help a person take a more active part in decisions about their treatment.

Crohn’s and Colitis UK said on their website: “Ulcerative Colitis is one of the two main forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, so may also be called ‘IBD’.

“The other main form of IBD is a condition known as Crohn’s Disease.”


The NHS added “Ulcerative colitis is thought to be an autoimmune condition.

“This means the immune system, the body’s defence against infection, goes wrong and attacks healthy tissue.

“The most popular theory is that the immune system mistakes harmless bacteria inside the colon for a threat and attacks healthy tissue.

“Exactly what causes he immune system to behave in this way is unclear.”


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