About Colitis

Overview

Colitis is the swelling or inflammation of the inner lining of the colon, which is also called the large intestine. It can be caused by things like infections (bacteria, viruses, or parasites), or conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The two main types of IBD related to colitis are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

• Crohn’s disease can cause inflammation anywhere in the digestive tract, from the mouth to the end where bowel movements leave the body.
• Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and sores (ulcers) in the colon and rectum.

Colitis can happen at different stages of life, most commonly between the ages of 15-35 and 60-70. While there isn’t a cure, there are treatments that can help control it. Symptoms of colitis may include abdominal (belly) pain, discomfort, and diarrhea. It is important to talk with a healthcare professional for the right diagnosis and advice on how to control it.

Causes and Risk Factors

The root causes of colitis involve inflammation of the colon, which can be triggered by different factors. These include:

• Immune system dysfunction: An unusual response from the immune system can sometimes attack the colon by mistake, causing inflammation.
• Genetic factors: Certain changes in a person’s genes can make it more likely to develop colitis.
• Environmental factors: Coming into contact with certain bacteria or viruses, or eating certain foods, may play a role in causing colitis.

The non-modifiable risk factors for colitis cannot be changed or controlled. These include:

• Age: Colitis can happen at any age, but it is more common in young adults and older people.
• Genetics: Having a family history of colitis or other related conditions increases the risk.

The modifiable risk factors for colitis can be influenced or changed. These include:

• Smoking: Smoking has been linked with an increased risk of developing colitis.
• Diet: Certain dietary factors, such as a high intake of processed foods or a low intake of fruits and vegetables, may play a role in the development of colitis.
• Environmental factors: Coming into contact with pollutants or certain medications may add to the risk of developing colitis.

It's important to know that while these risk factors have been identified, they do not mean you will definitely get colitis. It is always recommended to talk with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and help.

Symptoms

The most common early symptoms of colitis include:

• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain

As colitis progresses or becomes more severe, other common symptoms may happen, including:

• Abdominal or rectal (the area where bowel movements happen) pain
• Bloody bowel movements
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Constipation (less common than diarrhea): Difficulty passing stool or having infrequent bowel movements
• Rectal spasms: Sudden, painful muscle cramps in the area where bowel movements happen

It's important to know that symptoms can be different for each person, and not everyone will experience all of these symptoms. If you think you may have colitis, it's important to talk a doctor for the right diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnosis

To diagnose colitis, doctors commonly perform the following exams, tests, and procedures:

• Review of symptoms and medical history: Doctors will ask about your symptoms and medical history to gather important information.
• Physical exam: A physical exam helps doctors look for physical signs of colitis, such as pain and swelling in the abdomen.
• Blood tests: These tests can find inflammation markers and check for anemia or infection. Some tests that may be done include:
  • Complete blood count (CBC): Checks for anemia (low red blood cell count) and signs of infection or inflammation
  • C-reactive protein (CRP): Measures levels of inflammation in the body
  • Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): Checks for inflammation
  • Liver function tests: To rule out liver issues that can be related to colitis
• Stool tests: Stool samples are tested to check for infections, blood, and signs of inflammation in the intestines, including bacteria, viruses, or parasites that could cause illness.
• Imaging: CT scans are usually done to check for colitis or other unusual changes within the abdomen and pelvis.
• Endoscopy: This procedure involves using a flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) to look at the lining of the colon. It allows doctors to directly see inflammation, ulcers, or other unusual changes in the intestines.
• Biopsy: During an endoscopy, small tissue samples may be taken from the colon for further examination under a microscope.

It's important to know that the way your condition is diagnosed can be different for each person. Always talk with your healthcare professional for advice that’s right for you.

Treatment Options

The goals of treatment for colitis are to reduce inflammation, control symptoms, achieve remission (where the disease is inactive), and prevent problems. Here are the different types of medications, therapies, procedures, health behavior changes, and other treatments that can help achieve these goals:

Medication types:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs (such as corticosteroids and aminosalicylates) help reduce inflammation in the colon.
• Immunosuppressants: These medicines calm the immune system to help reduce inflammation.
• Antibiotics may be used to treat bacterial infections that can make colitis worse.
• Anti-diarrheal medications can help control diarrhea.

Therapies:

• Biologic therapies are treatments that use natural substances made by the body or in a lab to target specific parts of the immune system that cause inflammation in colitis.
• Small molecules, which are drugs that can block certain processes in the body, are also being studied as possible treatments.

Therapeutic procedures:

• Surgical resection: In rare cases when standard treatments have not worked, the affected part of the intestine may need to be removed.

Health behavior changes:

• Paying attention to and staying away from foods that make your symptoms worseEating smaller, more frequent meals during the day
• Staying away from foods that increase stool output (caffeine, raw fruits, and vegetables).
• Limiting alcohol use
• Quitting smoking

It's important to work with your healthcare professional to find the right treatment for you. They can help choose the best medications and therapies based on your needs.

Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation. Other side effects can occur. Check with your health care professional or read the information provided with your medication for additional side effect information.