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Definition Return to top
Colitis is an inflammation of the large intestine (colon).Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Colitis is an inflammation of the large intestine that is caused by many different disease processes, including acute and chronic infections, primary inflammatory disorders (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's colitis, lymphocytic and collagenous colitis), lack of blood flow (ischemic colitis), and history of radiation to the large bowel.
For more information about a specific type of colitis see:
Symptoms Return to top
Symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, dehydration, abdominal bloating, increased intestinal gas, and bloody stools.
Signs and tests Return to top
Colitis may be identified by flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy -- in both of these tests, a flexible tube is inserted in the rectum, and specific areas of the colon are evaluated. Biopsies taken during these tests may show changes related to inflammation.
Other studies that can identify colitis include:
Treatment Return to top
Treatment is directed at the underlying cause of disease, whether it be infection, inflammation, lack of blood flow, or another cause.
See particular conditions listed above for specific recommendations.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
The prognosis varies with each disease state, and thus depends upon the underlying disease.
Complications Return to top
Colitis may result in bleeding, ulceration, perforation (a hole in the colon), or toxic megacolon.
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms like abdominal pain, abdominal distention, or blood in the stool.
Prevention Return to top
Prevention depends upon the underlying cause of colitis. See the specific condition.
Update Date: 5/14/2004 Updated by: Christian Stone, M.D., Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |