🦠 Colitis
Colitis refers to inflammation of the colon (large intestine). It can be acute (sudden onset) or chronic (long-term) and may be caused by infection, autoimmune diseases, reduced blood flow, or other underlying conditions.
🧬 Types of Colitis
| Type | Description | Common Cause |
|---|---|---|
| Ulcerative colitis | Chronic, autoimmune disease causing ulcers and inflammation in the colon lining | Autoimmune |
| Infectious colitis | Inflammation due to bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection | E. coli, Salmonella, C. difficile |
| Ischemic colitis | Reduced blood flow to the colon causes inflammation and injury | Blood vessel blockage or low blood pressure |
| Microscopic colitis | Chronic, non-visible inflammation found via biopsy | Autoimmune or medication-related |
| Pseudomembranous colitis | Caused by overgrowth of Clostridioides difficile after antibiotic use | C. difficile toxin |
⚠️ Common Symptoms
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Diarrhea (may be bloody or with mucus)
- Urgency to have bowel movements
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Dehydration
🩸 Bloody diarrhea is especially common in ulcerative and infectious colitis.
🧪 Diagnosis
- Stool tests (to check for infections, blood, or inflammation)
- Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy (visualizes inflammation, allows biopsy)
- CT scan or abdominal X-ray (in severe or acute cases)
- Blood tests (CBC, CRP, ESR)
💊 Treatment
Treatment depends on the underlying cause:
🔹 Ulcerative colitis:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs: mesalamine, steroids
- Immunosuppressants: azathioprine, biologics (e.g., infliximab)
- Surgery (in severe or unresponsive cases)
🔹 Infectious colitis:
- Antibiotics (if bacterial)
- Rehydration and rest
- Avoid anti-diarrheal meds in C. difficile infections
🔹 Ischemic colitis:
- IV fluids, bowel rest
- Treat underlying vascular condition
- Surgery (if severe tissue death occurs)
🔹 Microscopic colitis:
- Antidiarrheals (e.g., loperamide)
- Budesonide (a steroid)
- Adjust medications that may contribute
🛡️ Prevention Tips
- Wash hands and food properly to avoid infections
- Avoid unnecessary antibiotic use
- Manage chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, heart disease)
- Stay hydrated
- For ulcerative colitis: regular follow-ups and medications to maintain remission
✅ Key Points
- Colitis = inflammation of the colon, with many possible causes
- Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and sometimes blood
- Proper diagnosis is crucial to guide effective treatment
- Chronic forms (like ulcerative colitis) require long-term management