Colitis refers to the inflammation of the colon (large intestine), which disrupts normal bowel function. It can be caused by various factors, such as infections, immune system disorders, or reduced blood flow, and presents with symptoms like diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and fatigue.
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Types of Colitis
1. Ulcerative Colitis
A chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) causing ulcers on the colon’s inner lining, primarily affecting the large intestine.
- Causes: Genetic factors and an overactive immune response.
- Symptoms: Bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain, urgency, weight loss, and fatigue.
- Treatment: Managed with anti-inflammatory medications, such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressants.
2. Crohn’s Disease
A type of IBD that can affect any part of the digestive tract, including the colon.
- Causes: Abnormal immune response.
- Symptoms: Abdominal pain, diarrhoea (with or without blood), fever, fatigue, weight loss, and mouth sores.
- Treatment: Involves anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive medications.
3. Infectious Colitis
Caused by infections from bacteria, viruses, or parasites and is usually short-term.
- Causes: Food poisoning, infections like Salmonella, E. coli, or viruses like norovirus.
- Symptoms: Bloody diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
- Treatment: Antibiotics or antiparasitic drugs; viral infections typically resolve naturally.
4. Ischemic Colitis
Results from reduced or blocked blood flow to the colon, causing inflammation.
- Causes: Often due to narrowed blood vessels or blood clots, especially in older adults.
- Symptoms: Severe abdominal pain, typically on the left side, and bloody stools.
- Treatment: Restoring blood flow, sometimes requiring surgery.
5. Allergic Colitis
Common in infants and children due to food allergies, often linked to cow’s milk protein.
- Causes: Allergic reactions to foods or formulas.
- Symptoms: Blood in the stool, irritability, and altered bowel movements.
- Treatment: Elimination diets or hypoallergenic formulas.
6. Microscopic Colitis
Involves inflammation visible only under a microscope.
- Causes: Linked to autoimmune diseases or certain medications.
- Symptoms: Persistent watery diarrhea, weight loss and abdominal cramping
- Treatment: Corticosteroids or immune-modifying drugs.
Symptoms of Colitis
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Diarrhea (sometimes bloody or with mucus)
- Fever (especially with infections)
- Urgency to have a bowel movement
- Bloating and gas
- Fatigue or weakness
- Weight loss as a result of inadequate nutrition absorption
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
Diagnosis of Colitis
- Physical Examination: Assessment of abdominal pain and symptoms.
- Blood Tests: Detect infection, inflammation, or anaemia.
- Stool Tests: Identify infections or blood in stool.
- Colonoscopy: Examine the colon for inflammation, ulcers, and abnormalities.
- Imaging Tests: CT or MRI scans for complications like abscesses.
- Endoscopic Procedures: Sigmoidoscopy or capsule endoscopy for detailed visuals.
Treatment for Colitis
- Medications
- Anti-inflammatory drugs: Corticosteroids or amino salicylates to reduce colon inflammation.
- Immunosuppressants: Used for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
- Antibiotics: For infections causing colitis.
- Antidiarrheal drugs: Symptom management (not used in infections).
- Dietary Changes – Low-residue or low-fiber diets during flare-ups.
- Hydration – Replenish fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Surgery – For severe cases, such as colectomy for ulcerative colitis or addressing complications.
- Supportive Care – Rest and symptomatic management for mild cases.
Lifestyle and Preventive Measures
- Balanced diet: Avoid trigger foods; use a low-residue diet during flare-ups.
- Stay hydrated to combat diarrhea-induced dehydration.
- Regular exercise to enhance digestion.
- Manage stress through relaxation, yoga, or meditation, as stress can worsen symptoms.
