"You Could Die Within 48 Hours"—Mistaken for Hemorrhoids, But What Was the Real Disease? [Health Talk]

[The Financial News] A woman in her twenties ignored symptoms of abdominal pain and bloody stools, mistaking them for hemorrhoids, and was later given a dire warning that she could die within 48 hours. She underwent emergency surgery. After extensive testing, she was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and narrowly survived following a colon resection.
On the 17th (local time), Need To Know, a UK-based media outlet, reported that Ciara McManigan, 25, from Kent, had been experiencing abdominal bloating and bloody stools since 2021. At the time, medical staff diagnosed her with constipation-related hemorrhoids and prescribed medication without further tests.
However, her symptoms continued to worsen. She lost weight, suffered frequent vomiting, and developed hair loss and skin problems. There were days when she passed only blood during bowel movements. In early 2022, Ciara visited the emergency room with chest pain and was found to have severe anemia. Further tests revealed she had ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the colon and rectum.
Although she tried immunosuppressants and biologics, the effects were only temporary. Eating became difficult, and emergency room visits became frequent. Her condition deteriorated rapidly in May 2023. After the final round of medication failed, she developed a high fever and her bowel function sharply declined.
Doctors warned of a risk of colon perforation and told her that without surgery, she could die within 48 hours. Ultimately, she underwent a major operation lasting 10 hours and 30 minutes, during which most of her colon was removed in a subtotal colectomy. Medical staff explained, "The intestinal tissue was severely damaged and extremely fragile."
After surgery, Ciara had to wear an ostomy. She said, "Unlike before, I quickly felt my body stabilizing." In 2024, she underwent additional surgeries to make the ostomy permanent and to remove her rectum. She added, "My outlook on life has completely changed since the experience. Now, I cherish every single day."

Ulcerative colitis, the disease Ciara suffered from, is a major inflammatory bowel disease characterized by chronic inflammation and ulcers in the colon lining. The inflammation often starts in the rectum and can spread throughout the colon, causing repeated episodes of diarrhea, bloody stools, and abdominal pain. According to the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service (HIRA), the number of patients rose from about 10,000 in 2012 to over 40,000 in 2022, more than quadrupling in a decade.
The exact cause remains unclear, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic factors, immune system abnormalities, and gut microbiome imbalances. Main symptoms include frequent diarrhea, persistent bloody stools, mucus in the stool, and fever. While typical enteritis improves within two weeks, ulcerative colitis can persist or recur for weeks to months.
Treatment is administered in stages depending on the severity of inflammation. Mild cases are managed with anti-inflammatory drugs, while moderate to severe cases require steroids or immunomodulators. Recently, biologics have also been used. If medications are ineffective or complications such as intestinal bleeding or perforation occur, colon resection may be necessary. Dietary management is also important for symptom control. Spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol should be avoided, and adequate hydration is recommended. Smoking is a major factor that worsens the disease and increases the risk of recurrence.
hsg@fnnews.com Han Seung-gon Reporter