Colitis: What You Need to Know About Causes & Treatments

Colitis is a condition that causes swelling in the inner lining of your colon. This can lead to pain, discomfort, and other stomach problems. Often, it is caused by infections, problems with the immune system, or poor blood flow to the colon. Sometimes, colitis starts suddenly. Other times, it stays for a long time and comes and goes. Because of this, it’s important to see a doctor early to help control symptoms and avoid serious issues.

What is Colitis?

Colitis means the colon (or large intestine) is inflamed. As a result, this swelling can cause many problems. For example, you might have stomach pain, diarrhea, or see blood in your stool. Also, it can happen due to infections, diseases like IBD, poor blood flow, or food allergies.

Types

  • Ulcerative: This is a type of IBD. It causes long-term swelling and sores in the colon and rectum.
  • Infectious: This happens due to bacteria, viruses, or parasitic infections.
  • Ischemic: This type occurs when blood flow to the colon is blocked or reduced.
  • Microscopic: In this case, swelling is only seen under a microscope. It includes two types – lymphocytic and collagenous.
  • Allergic Colitis: It is often found in babies. Additionally, it happens due to a food allergy.

How Common is Colitis?

The number of people who get this disease depends on the type. For instance, about 1 in 1,000 people in the U.S. have Ulcerative Colitis. However, Infectious Colitis is more common. Still, any type can affect people of all ages.

Common Symptoms of Colitis

  • Persistent diarrhea, sometimes with blood or pus
  • Stomach pain and cramps
  • A strong need to poop
  • Feeling very tired
  • Losing weight without trying
  • Fever (usually in infections)
  • Getting dehydrated

Common Causes of Colitis

  • Infections: Germs like Salmonella, E. coli, certain viruses, and parasites can cause it.
  • Autoimmune Conditions: In Ulcerative cases, the body attacks its colon by mistake.
  • Poor Blood Flow:  Ischemic cases happen when the colon doesn’t get enough blood. Often, it happens due to blocked arteries.
  • Medications: Some drugs, like NSAIDs or antibiotics, can lead to it.
  • Food Allergies: In babies, milk or soy protein allergies can be a cause.

FAQs

Yes, stress can make symptoms worse, especially in ulcerative cases. Because of this, managing stress is important. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or talking to a counselor can help lower stress and reduce flare-ups.

Patients should avoid foods that can upset the colon. These include high-fiber foods, spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol. If someone cannot digest lactose, they should also stay away from dairy products.

During a flare-up, it is helpful to follow a low-residue diet. This diet includes soft and easy-to-digest foods. As a result, it puts less stress on the digestive system and allows the colon to rest and heal more quickly.

Some types of this disease, like ulcerative cases, last a long time and need lifelong care. On the other hand, types like infectious cases can go away with proper treatment. So, the treatment plan depends on the type you have.

Doctors find out if you have it by asking about your medical history and doing a physical check-up. Moreover, they may also test your stool and blood. In addition, imaging tests like a colonoscopy or CT scan help them see the colon and spot any swelling.

Yes, if colitis is not treated, it can cause serious problems. For example, it can lead to severe dehydration, poor nutrition, holes in the colon, and a higher chance of getting colon cancer. Because of this, getting treatment early is very important.

It affects about the same number of women and men. Risk factors include:

Age. It usually begins before age 30, but it can occur at any age.

Race or ethnicity. Although white people have the highest risk, it can occur in any race. If you’re of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, your risk is even higher.

Family history. You’re at higher risk if you have a close relative, such as a parent, sibling, or child, with the disease.

This condition affects both men and women equally. However, certain factors can raise your risk.

Age: It often starts before age 30. However, it can happen at any age.

Race or Ethnicity: People who are white have a higher risk. Still, it can affect anyone. If you are from an Ashkenazi Jewish background, your risk is even greater.

Family History: If a close family member, such as a parent, brother, or sister, has the disease, your risk goes up.

IF you have these signs, see your doctor immediately

  • Stomach pain
  • Blood in your stool
  • Ongoing diarrhea 
  • An unexplained fever lasting more than a day or two

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