What is Colitis?
What is Colitis?Colitis refers to inflammation or swelling of the colon. The colon, also known as the large intestine, extends to the rectum. Inflammation can spread from the colon to the rectum depending on the severity and type of colitis, known as proctocolitis. Still, generally speaking, colon and/or rectum inflammation is commonly referred to as colitis.
A bacterial or viral infection can cause this inflammation or indicate a chronic condition such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
Types of Colitis
Types of ColitisThere are several types of colitis, with different causes and prognoses:
- Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and ulcers (sores) in the digestive tract. Typically, ulcerative colitis starts in the rectum and can extend continuously into the colon, involving parts or all of the colon. Occasionally, only the colon is inflamed, and the rectum is normal. Ulcerative colitis can be controlled with medication, but it can only be cured by surgically removing the affected parts of the colon or the colon and rectum. Patients with ulcerative colitis often undergo a surgery called an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, referred to as a “J-pouch” as the intestine is formed into the shape of a “J” so the patient does not have a permanent ostomy.
- Crohn’s disease is another type of inflammatory bowel disease that can be controlled but not cured, causing flare-ups of chronic inflammation in the digestive tract. Crohn’s disease can occur anywhere throughout the gastrointestinal tract, not only in the colon and rectum like ulcerative colitis, but can be confused with ulcerative colitis. Ongoing research is being performed to determine the role and timing of surgery and medical therapy.
- Infectious colitis is a type of colitis that results from viral, parasitic, or bacterial infections that can typically be treated and controlled with medications and temporary dietary changes.
- Pseudomembranous colitis is an inflammation of the colon associated with an overabundance of the bacterium Clostridioides difficile.
- Ischemic colitis occurs when blood flow to the large intestine is temporarily reduced.
- Radiation colitis results from exposure to radiation therapy.
Signs & Symptoms of Colitis
Signs & Symptoms of ColitisCommon symptoms of colitis include:
- Abdominal pain and bloating
- Blood in the stool
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Loss of appetite and unintended weight loss
Contact your doctor if you experience any of these more acute symptoms:
- Abdominal pain that doesn’t go away
- Blood in the stool, or stools that appear black after a bowel movement
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea that doesn’t go away
- Swollen abdomen
What Causes Colitis?
What Causes Colitis?The cause of colitis is still not entirely understood. Researchers typically attribute the inflammation to improper immune system response, poor diet, processed foods, and increased stress, which irritate inflammation and make colitis more severe.
The following risk factors can cause individual cases of colitis:
- Bacterial or viral infections
- Food poisoning
- Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
- Lack of blood flow (ischemic colitis)
- Radiation exposure to the large bowel
- Family inheritance
Complications
ComplicationsDiet and stress can aggravate colitis. Doctors recommend a specific diet to avoid foods that can worsen your symptoms. It’s important to control colitis as soon as symptoms arise to avoid potentially severe complications.
These complications of colitis may include:
- Perforation of the colon
- Toxic megacolon
- Risk of colorectal cancer
- Ulcerations (sores along the digestive tract)
Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Colitis Care
If you are experiencing symptoms of colitis, our experienced specialists at NewYork-Presbyterian can determine the cause and ensure you get the treatment and compassionate care you need. Call today to make an appointment at a location near you.