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What is intestinal colitis and what are its symptoms? [3 causes + definitive treatment]
What is intestinal colitis and what are its symptoms? [3 causes + definitive treatment]
Daria Radmanesh List of digestive disorders and diseases Last update: 4 weeks ago Published: 4 weeks ago No questionsPending review by Darmankade medical team
Intestinal colitis is one of the inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, which It can negatively affect the quality of a person's daily life. This disease occurs when the inner layer of the large intestine undergoes continuous inflammation and disrupts the normal functioning of the digestive system. There are different types of colitis, each of which may have different symptoms, but symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood in the stool, and bloating are its main symptoms. Knowing the symptoms and causes of this disease and knowing how to control and treat it can prevent the development of complications and reduce the patient's quality of life. Join us in this article from Darmankade Health Magazine so that we can familiarize you with the causes, symptoms and treatment methods of intestinal colitis.
Table of Contents
- 1- Ulcerative colitis (Ulcerative Colitis)
- 2- Crohn's Colitis
- 3- Microscopic colitis Colitis) href="#h-%DB%B5-%DA%A9%D9%88%D9%84%DB%8C%D8%AA-%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%AF%D9%88%D9 %85%D9%85%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%88%D8%B3-pseudomembranous-colitis">5- Pseudomembranous Colitis (Pseudomembranous Colitis)
What is intestinal colitis?
Intestinal colitis is a disease. Inflammatory Bowel Disease in which the mucosa and inner lining of the large intestine (colon) become inflamed and ulcerated. People with colitis often feel pain in their abdomen. This pain can be mild and repeat continuously or it can appear suddenly and severely. The most common type of this disease is ulcerative colitis, which is usually accompanied by chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, the presence of blood in the stool, and feeling tired.
Colitis cannot be definitively cured, but its symptoms can be controlled with lifestyle changes.The severity of the symptoms of intestinal colitis is different in different people, and usually periods of recovery and recurrence of the disease occur alternately. In some types of colitis, the symptoms are short-term and can be treated under the supervision of a gastroenterologist, but others have long-term symptoms and are more difficult to treat. If colitis is severe, it may damage the colon in the long run.
Why does intestinal colitis occur?
The exact cause of this disease is still not fully understood. Experts believe that intestinal colitis is a multifactorial disease and can be the result of various factors that we will examine below:
1- Genetic factors
Family history is one of the important factors in the occurrence of intestinal colitis. Although researchers have not yet been able to understand how genes affect changes in the inner lining of the large intestine, objective evidence shows that people who have a first-degree relative with inflammatory bowel disease are more prone to developing colitis. 2- Environmental factors Environmental factors such as high stress, high-fat diet, air pollution, bacterial or viral infections, and smoking can increase the risk of developing colitis or the severity of colitis.
3- Strong immune response of the body
The immune system takes care of body cells against viruses, bacteria, fungi and infections. The entry of these factors into the body causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the normal cells of the large intestine and cause inflammation and colitis.
If you have diarrhea and abdominal pain, do not delay the examination of colitis!
Make an appointment with a doctor right now to be examined immediately. Good digestion in Tehran. The most common symptoms include:- Abdominal pain
- Blood pressure
- Feeling an urgent need to pass stool
- Unexpected weight loss
- Watery or bloody diarrhea
- Mucus or blood in the stool
- Loss of appetite
- Fever and chills
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
"While every person may experience diarrhea and abdominal cramps from time to time, if you have diarrhea that does not seem related to an infection, fever, or consumption of unsafe foods, it is best to speak with a doctor." Talk to your doctor.
Quoted from the site: healthline
How many types of intestinal colitis are there?
The main types of colon colitis include the following:
1- Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is classified as inflammatory bowel disease. This disease is lifelong and in it, the inner layer of the large intestine becomes ulcerated and inflamed. Ulcerative colitis usually occurs in the rectum and spreads to the colon. This type of colitis is divided into the following 3 categories:
- Proctosigmoiditis: It affects the rectum and the lower part of the large intestine. Its symptoms usually include rectal pain, the need to pass stool urgently, and rectal bleeding.
- Left-sided ulcerative colitis: The inflammation starts in the rectum and continues along the left side of the colon. This type of colitis can cause symptoms such as weight loss, loss of appetite, pain in the left side of the abdomen, and bloody diarrhea.
- Pancolitis: It affects the entire large intestine. Its symptoms include weight loss, loss of appetite, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
2- Crohn's Colitis
Crohn's colitis is one of the different types of Crohn's disease which, unlike other types of this disease, only affects the large intestine. People with Crohn's colitis are likely to experience skin lesions and joint pain. Some of its common symptoms include: rectal bleeding, diarrhea, abscesses, fistulas, and ulcers around the anus. 3- Microscopic Colitis This type of colitis, It is a type of mild inflammation that can only be diagnosed by examining the tissue sample under a microscope. Doctors usually divide microscopic colitis into 2 categories: lymphocytic colitis and collagenous colitis.
- Lymphocytic colitis: In this type, the number of white blood cells is higher than normal, but the tissue and lining of the large intestine has a standard thickness.
- Collagenous colitis: This type of colitis occurs when the lining of the large intestine due to the accumulation of collagen under the outermost layer. The tissue becomes thicker than usual.
Currently, the main cause of microscopic colitis is not known. However, doctors believe that some people are more at risk of developing it. People who are at higher risk include:
- Smokers
- Women
- People with a history of autoimmune disorders
- People over 50 years of age
Also, people who take certain medications such as the following are more prone to develop microscopic colitis:
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPI)
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI)
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin
The most common symptoms of microscopic colitis include the following:
- Chronic watery diarrhea
- Abdominal bloating
- Abdominal pain
4- Ischemic colitis Colitis)
Abdominal pain and chronic diarrhea are the main symptoms of colitis.Ischemic colitis (IC) is another type of colitis that occurs due to a sudden reduction or interruption of blood flow to the colon. Blood clots can cause a sudden blockage. Sometimes arteriosclerosis or the accumulation of fatty deposits in the blood vessels that feed the colon are the reason for IC to return.
This type of colitis is often caused by underlying diseases such as:
- Vasculitis (an inflammatory disease of the blood vessels)
- Diabetes
- Cancer Colon
- Dehydration
- Blood loss
- Heart failure
- Obstruction or cramp
- Trauma or injury
In some rare cases, this type of intestinal colitis may occur as a side effect after taking certain medications such as fibrates and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). People with ischemic colitis usually experience abdominal cramping, pain and bloody stools.
Other symptoms include:
- diarrhea
- nausea
- vomiting
- bloating
5- Pseudomembranous Colitis
Pseudomembranous colitis (PC), which is also called pseudomembranous colitis, is caused by the overgrowth of the bacteria Clostridium difficile (C. diff). This type of bacteria usually lives in the intestine and is not dangerous; Because it is balanced by the presence of good bacteria. Overuse of certain medications, especially antibiotics, may kill off healthy bacteria. This causes overgrowth of C. diff and the release of toxins that cause inflammation.
Other types of intestinal colitis include the following:
- Deviant colitis
- Allergic colitis in infants
- Colitis caused by radiation therapy
- Chemical colitis
- Lymphocytic colitis
- Fulminant colitis
- Collagen colitis
- Atypical colitis
- Infectious colitis
If you are curious to know what are the types of intestinal diseases, you can read the related article in Darmankade.
"Infectious colitis often includes nausea and vomiting, while chronic conditions such as UC and Crohn's disease may cause extraintestinal symptoms such as joint pain and skin rashes.”
Infectious colitis often involves nausea and vomiting, while chronic diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease may cause extraintestinal symptoms such as joint pain and skin rashes. noopener">medicalnewstoday
Intestinal colitis in children
Intestinal colitis in children is usually of the ulcerative colitis type and occurs more severely than adults due to the involvement of the entire colon. However, children may develop another type of inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease. This disease can involve any part of the digestive system, from the mouth to the anus, and usually causes deeper inflammation than ulcerative colitis.
Common symptoms of ulcerative colitis in children include the following:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Blood stool
- Urgent need to defecate
- Decreased appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme fatigue
Is intestinal colitis dangerous?
If you have an underlying disease and have abdominal pain or chronic diarrhea at the same time, be sure to see a doctor to check the health of your intestines.Intestinal colitis is one of the inflammatory diseases of the large intestine that, if not diagnosed and treated in time, can cause dangerous complications. The severity of the risk of this disease depends on the type of colitis and the degree of inflammation. In mild cases, you may only experience gastrointestinal discomfort such as diarrhea and abdominal pain, but in severe or untreated cases, there is the possibility of more serious problems such as anemia from intestinal bleeding or a tear in the intestinal wall, and even in the long term, an increased risk of colon cancer.
However, instead of worrying, it is better to take the smallest symptoms seriously and visit a specialist doctor for a more detailed examination. With early diagnosis, regular use of medications under the supervision of a doctor, following a proper diet and reducing stress, this disease can be well controlled and lead a normal life.
When should I see a doctor for intestinal colitis?
If you have symptoms of colitis such as the following, you should definitely see a doctor:
- Presence of blood in the stool
- Abdominal pain that does not get relief.
- Diarrhea that It does not stop.
Intestinal colitis diagnosis method
Diagnosis of this disease is done through clinical symptoms, physical examination and specialized tests. First, the doctor questions the patient about symptoms such as diarrhea, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and family history of inflammatory bowel disease and conducts a physical examination. Then he prescribes specialized tests for a more detailed examination and confirmation of the disease. We introduce these tests in the table below:
Type of testDescription Blood test is performed to check the signs of inflammation, anemia caused by severe bleeding and nutritional disorders. Stool test helps to detect hidden blood in stool, bacterial or viral infections and signs of intestinal inflammation. CT scan and MRI in certain cases to check the extent of inflammation and differentiate it from other diseases such as Crohn's and infection A colonoscopy is performed to observe the rectum and colon. A sigmoidoscopy is performed to examine the rectum and the lower part of the colon, and the doctor can also take a tissue sample (biopsy) from inside the colon. Table of specialized tests to diagnose colitisWhat should we do to definitively treat intestinal colitis? It helped to control symptoms and prevent disease recurrence. In fact, the best treatment method depends on the type of colitis and its severity. Treatment options usually include the following: 1- The best medication for colitis
The doctor may prescribe different medications such as:
- Antibiotics to treat infections
- Corticosteroids to treat inflammation
- Immune system modulators to prevent the immune system from attacking the intestinal cells
- Medications Biological (intravenous or subcutaneous) such as infliximab
The doctor may also prescribe medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrheal medications, anti-spasmodic medications, and supplements for nutritional deficiencies. If you still have abdominal pain after taking painkillers and antispasmodics, it is better to consult an online gastroenterologist about the dosage and how to take them. 2. Treatment of colitis with lifestyle changes does It is also very important to eat food in small amounts and in more portions. Consuming enough water, regular physical activity and stress management are effective in improving intestinal colitis symptoms.
3- Surgery
When drug therapy and lifestyle changes are not effective, the doctor suggests surgery. Surgery can help stop bleeding, repair a torn intestine, or remove an obstruction. In this procedure, which is called a colectomy, the surgeon removes part or all of the colon.
What to eat for colitis?
Foods that people with colitis can eat include:
- Eggs
- Chicken meat
- Soy
- Low-fiber fruits such as bananas, cantaloupe and melon
- potatoes
- gluten-free bread
- white rice
- cooked vegetables
- wheat-free pasta
- cucumber
- pumpkin
- horseradish
What are the consequences of not treating intestinal colitis?
Pay attention to the initial symptoms, see a doctor And regular follow-up of the treatment process is the best way to prevent the complications of colitis.Not treating intestinal colitis can have serious and dangerous consequences for a person's health; Because chronic inflammation in the large intestine eventually causes tissue damage and dysfunction of the digestive system. The most important complications include the following:
- Rupture (perforation) of the intestine: As a result of severe inflammation and tissue damage, the intestinal wall may be perforated. In such a situation, it is possible that bacteria from the colon infect the abdominal cavity or the bloodstream. Toxic megacolon: Severe inflammation weakens the muscles of the colon and causes them to fail. In such conditions, food and gas accumulate in the colon and cause it to expand or stretch excessively.
- Increased risk of colon cancer: Long-term inflammation in the colon can cause changes in the colon wall and increase the risk of colon cancer. Some lifestyle changes and following healthy habits, such as the following, can help prevent the disease or reduce the possibility of its return:
- Having a healthy and balanced diet
- Avoid drinking carbonated, caffeinated and alcoholic beverages
- Do not smoke
- Drink enough water
- Eat smaller and regular meals
- Avoid Avoid consuming high-fiber foods (it is better to eat fruits and vegetables cooked or grilled.)
- Avoid self-administration of non-steroidal anti-anxiety drugs such as ibuprofen
- Stress management through methods of relaxing the mind and body such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing
- Periodical and regular visits to a specialist if there is a family history of inflammatory bowel diseases
Guide to seeing a doctor
Intestinal colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the large intestine that can cause distressing symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bleeding. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment help control the symptoms of this disease and prevent serious complications. Although this disease may not be definitively cured, many patients can live a quality life by following a healthy diet, taking medication regularly under the supervision of a doctor, and reducing stress.
In this article from Dermankadeh magazine, we introduced you to the causes, symptoms, types and treatment methods of intestinal colitis. If you have more questions about this, you can visit the website darmankade and consult the best doctors like gastroenterologist. Also, the clinic has provided you with an online appointment for face-to-face consultation or online counseling by phone, text and video.
Frequently asked questions
What are the foods that irritate the colon?Slow-digesting foods such as raw vegetables, whole grains, nuts, fruits with skin and seeds, dairy products, ice cream and sweets often irritate the intestine and aggravate the symptoms of colitis.
Does it? Is there a cure for intestinal colitis?This disease usually does not have a definitive cure, but its symptoms can be controlled by following a proper diet, taking medication regularly under the supervision of a doctor, and managing stress.
What are the main symptoms of intestinal colitis?The main symptoms of this disease include chronic diarrhea, rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, and fever.
Sources: clevelandclinic | medicalnewstoday | healthline
Top Doctors: Dr. Ali Asghar Etemadi Fard | Doctor Alireza RezaeiWas this article useful for you?
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