The prime symptom of ulcerative colitis is what?

The prime symptom of ulcerative colitis is recurrent bloody diarrhea. This condition primarily affects the colon and rectum, leading to inflammation and ulceration of the intestinal lining, which causes bleeding. The presence of blood in stool is a hallmark sign that patients with this condition typically experience, along with urgency and frequency of bowel movements.

While abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting, and severe weight loss can occur with ulcerative colitis, they are not the defining or primary symptoms. Diarrhea, especially when accompanied by blood, is central to diagnosing ulcerative colitis and understanding the nature of the disease. Thus, recognizing recurrent bloody diarrhea as the main symptom is crucial for early identification and management of the condition.