Colitis means inflammation (swelling and redness) of the large bowel (colon). Though this may happen due to a number of reasons, the term ‘colitis’ commonly refers to Ulcerative Colitis (UC).
Causes of Colitis
- Infective Colitis – Caused by Infections due to viruses, bacteria and parasites.
- Inflammatory Bowel Diseases – Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease – Autoimmune diseases, caused by the body’s Immune mechanism turning against itself.
- Microscopic colitis – A category in which the inflammation can be seen using a microscope only. Includes two conditions – Collagenous Colitis and Lymphocytic Colitis.
- Ischemic Colitis – caused due to inadequate blood flow to the colon
- Iatrogenic Colitis – caused as a side effect of certain treatments procedures. Includes two conditions; Chemical colitis caused by wrong or repeated administration of enema and Diversion colitis caused by surgical bowel diversions.
Symptoms of Colitis
The two common symptoms for all types of colitis are abdominal pain and frequent passing of (loose) stools. Other symptoms depend on the type of colitis. These may include:
- Tenesmus – the constant urge to pass stools.
- Bloating sensation all over the abdominal area.
- Fever, chills, malaise and fatigue may me present depending on the type and severity of the colitis.
- The most important symptom that should never be ignored is Blood in Stools. This can range from a little amount to frank bleeding and is seen in only certain types of colitis.
- Weight loss, anemia and general debility may ensue in long standing cases.