Colitis

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Colitis is a condition that refers to the general inflammation of the inner lining of the colon. Although ulcerative colitis is sometimes called colitis they are not the same thing.

There are many different types of colitis that can cause inflammation in the colon, along with other unique symptoms. A few common types of colitis:

  • Ulcerative colitis (IBD colitis) - causes irritation and swelling of the large intestine
  • Microscopic colitis - causes persistent watery diarrhea
  • Ischemic (ischaemic) colitis - a result of inadequate blood supply
  • Infectious colitis (food poisoning) - a result of ingestion of viruses and bacteria

The board-certified physicians at GI Alliance are equipped to treat all forms of colitis and other gastrointestinal ailments. Contact your local GI Alliance to learn more about treatment options for you and your specific condition.

There are many different reasons why the inner lining of the colon may become inflamed. A few of the most common causes include:

  • Loss of blood supply to the colon (ischemia)
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  • Allergic reactions
  • Infection (from parasites invading the body)
  • Invasion of the colon wall with collagen or lymphocytic white blood cells
  • Some over-the-counter and prescription medications (common medications causing colitis include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and mycophenolate)

No matter the cause of your colitis, you can find a specialist at GI Alliance who can help treat your illness. Contact your local GI Alliance clinic to learn more about the different causes of colitis.

Symptoms of possible colitis include:

  • Fatigue
  • Depression
  • Rapid weight loss
  • Changes in bowel habits (including constant urge to have a bowel movement)
  • Fever and/or chills (signs of infection)
  • Ulcers on the colon
  • Pain in/of the joints, or colon (abdomen) which can come in waves or be constant
  • Tenderness in the abdomen
  • Cramping
  • Diarrhea (with or without blood in the stool)
  • Eye inflammation
  • Canker sores
  • Blood in the stool

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms consistently, please call your local GI Alliance and seek care with an expert gastroenterologist.

Common treatments across all types of colitis can include:

  • Painkillers
  • Stabilization of vital signs
  • Rehydration of the body - orally or intravenously
  • Common IBD medications
  • Adjustment of diet

Depending on the cause of the colitis, treatment options may vary.

  • Infections - If the infection is caused by bacteria then antibiotics can be prescribed. If the infection is viral then keeping the body hydrated and allowing time to pass are the best ways to treat the colitis.
  • IBD - If the cause of the inflammation comes in consequence of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis then anti-inflammatory medications may be used initially and medications that suppress the immune system can be added if necessary. Surgery may be necessary depending on the severity of the colitis.
  • Ischemic colitis- The main treatment for Ischemic colitis is to hydrate the body with intravenous fluids and to rest the bowel. If blood supply is not restored to the colon then surgery might be necessary to remove those parts of the colon that lost blood supply.
  • Microscopic colitis- In some cases, the body can heal itself. It can also be treated with anti-diarrheal medication and some steroids, adjustment of diet, and rarely, surgery.
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You should see a doctor if you have diarrhea that persists for more than two weeks, blood in your stool, fever or dehydration, or abnormal abdominal pain that worsens over time. If you are looking for a doctor to help treat or manage colitis then you can find a board-certified gastroenterologist through the nation's largest physician-led network of GI specialists, GI Alliance. Always on the forefront of new and emerging treatments for colitis and other GI conditions, GI Alliance is an organization that aims to provide patient-centric care that helps people achieve a better quality of life. Contact your local GI Alliance to learn more about colitis and its treatments.

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