Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of ischemic colitis can include:

• Pain, tenderness or cramping in your belly, which can occur suddenly or gradually
• Bright red or maroon blood in your stool or, at times, passage of blood alone without stool
• A feeling of urgency to move your bowels
• Diarrhea
• Nausea

The risk of severe complications is higher when you have symptoms on the right side of your abdomen. This is less commonly seen compared with left-sided colitis. People with right-sided colitis tend to have more underlying medical problems, such as high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation and kidney disease. They more frequently have to undergo surgery and also have a higher mortality risk.

When to see a doctor

Seek immediate medical care if you have sudden, severe abdominal pain. Abdominal pain that makes you so uncomfortable that you can't sit still or find a comfortable position is a medical emergency.

Contact your doctor if you develop worrisome signs and symptoms, such as bloody diarrhea. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications.