Colitis

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Colitis
Micrograph showing colitis with cryptitis
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, fever
Complications	Dehydration, perforation, toxic megacolon, colon cancer
Onset	Varies depending on type
Duration	Acute or chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Infection, autoimmune disease, ischemia, medication
Risks	Family history, smoking, NSAID use, stress
Diagnosis	Colonoscopy, stool test, blood test
Differential diagnosis	Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Dietary changes, medication, surgery
Medication	Anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressive drugs, antibiotics
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common
Deaths	Varies by type and severity

Colitis is an inflammation of the colon or large intestine, which can lead to various symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. Colitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including infection, autoimmune disease, and decreased blood flow to the colon. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve medications, dietary changes, or surgery in severe cases.

Types

There are several types of colitis, each with distinct causes and characteristics:

• Ulcerative colitis: A chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes ulcers and inflammation in the colon and rectum.
• Crohn's disease: Another form of IBD that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, including the colon.
• Infectious colitis: Caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites that lead to inflammation of the colon.
• Ischemic colitis: Occurs when blood flow to the colon is reduced, causing inflammation and damage.
• Microscopic colitis: A type of colitis that can only be identified under a microscope, with two subtypes: collagenous colitis and

lymphocytic colitis.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of colitis may include:

• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Diarrhea, sometimes with blood or mucus
• Rectal bleeding
• Urgency to have a bowel movement
• Constipation
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Fever

Causes

The causes of colitis vary depending on the type. Some common causes include:

• Infections: Bacteria, viruses, or parasites can cause inflammation in the colon.
• Autoimmune diseases: In ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, the immune system attacks the lining of the colon, causing inflammation.
• Reduced blood flow: Ischemic colitis is caused by a decrease in blood flow to the colon, often due to blocked blood vessels.
• Unknown factors: The exact cause of microscopic colitis is not well understood.

Diagnosis

A healthcare provider may use various tests and procedures to diagnose colitis, including:

• Medical history and physical examination
• Blood tests to check for infection or inflammation
• Stool tests to check for infection or blood
• Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy to examine the colon and obtain tissue samples
• Imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize the colon

Treatment

Treatment for colitis depends on the cause and severity of the condition. Some possible treatments include:

• Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs, immune system suppressors, or antibiotics may be used to treat various types of colitis.
• Dietary changes: Patients may be advised to modify their diet by avoiding certain foods, increasing fiber intake, or taking nutritional supplements.
• Surgery: In severe cases or when other treatments have failed, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected part of the colon.

Prevention

While it may not be possible to prevent all cases of colitis, some general measures can help reduce the risk:

• Practice good hygiene to avoid infections
• Maintain a healthy, balanced diet
• Stay hydrated
• Manage stress, as it can contribute to inflammation
• Quit smoking, as it increases the risk of developing colitis

Prognosis

The prognosis for colitis varies depending on the type and severity of the condition. Some types, such as infectious colitis, may resolve with appropriate treatment, while others, like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are chronic conditions that may require ongoing management. Early diagnosis and treatment can help improve the prognosis and reduce the risk of complications.

Complications

Untreated or severe colitis can lead to various complications, including: Dehydration: Persistent diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which may require hospitalization and intravenous fluids. Malnutrition: Inflammation and diarrhea can hinder the absorption of nutrients, leading to malnutrition. Colon perforation: Severe inflammation can cause a hole in the colon, which may require emergency surgery. Toxic megacolon: A rare but life-threatening complication characterized by rapid swelling of the colon. Increased risk of colon cancer: Chronic inflammation, especially in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, can increase the risk of colon cancer.

Summary

Colitis is inflammation of the large intestine (the colon), which usually leads to abdominal pain, fever, and diarrhea with blood and mucus.

See also

• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Diverticulitis
• Irritable bowel syndrome

References

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