Symptom 10. Mouth Sores: An Overlooked Symptom of Ulcerative Colitis
Mouth sores, or oral ulcers, are an often-overlooked symptom of Ulcerative Colitis. While they might initially appear to be a minor annoyance, these painful sores can greatly impact an individual’s quality of life. They can make everyday activities like eating, drinking, and speaking a challenge.
The appearance of these sores can vary widely. Some might resemble common canker sores, while others could look more like cold sores. The one common thread is that they are usually indicative of inflammation in the body. In the context of UC, this inflammation is caused by the immune system’s overactivity, which leads to damage in the colon and rectum.
An intriguing aspect of these mouth sores is their tendency to correspond with the severity and timing of the bowel disease. You might notice that these sores tend to flare up around the same time as your bowel symptoms, indicating a possible link to your UC. When your bowel symptoms are under control, you might also observe an improvement in the condition of these mouth sores. (10)
