Lymphocytic colitis

MEDICAL EDITOR

Prab R. Tumpati, MD — Editor-in-Chief, WikiMD Medical Encyclopedia
Internal medicine • Obesity medicine • Sleep medicine
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Lymphocytic colitis
Micrograph of lymphocytic colitis. H&E stain.
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss
Complications	Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance
Onset	Typically in adulthood
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Unknown, possibly autoimmune
Risks	Smoking, use of NSAIDs, PPIs
Diagnosis	Colonoscopy with biopsy
Differential diagnosis	Irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, infectious colitis
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Antidiarrheals, budesonide, dietary modification
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Generally good with treatment
Frequency	More common in females and older adults
Deaths	N/A

Lymphocytic colitis is a medical condition characterized by chronic, watery, non-bloody diarrhea. It is a subtype of microscopic colitis, a group of conditions characterized by inflammation of the colon that is only visible when the colon's lining is examined under a microscope.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of lymphocytic colitis is chronic, watery, non-bloody diarrhea. Other symptoms may include abdominal pain, weight loss, and nausea.

Causes

The exact cause of lymphocytic colitis is unknown. However, it is believed to be related to an abnormal immune response to the bacteria normally found in the colon. Other potential causes include the use of certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and autoimmune diseases.

Diagnosis

Lymphocytic colitis is diagnosed through a combination of patient history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. The definitive diagnosis is made by examining a biopsy of the colon's lining under a microscope.

Treatment

Treatment for lymphocytic colitis typically involves medication to reduce inflammation and control symptoms. In some cases, dietary changes may also be recommended.

See also

• Microscopic colitis
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Colitis

External links

• Mayo Clinic - Lymphocytic Colitis
• WebMD - Lymphocytic Colitis