Types of Colitis & Factors Causing Them

Introduction

Colitis is a term characterized by an inflammation of the large intestine (colon). It may be associated with enteritis (inflammation of the small intestine), proctitis (inflammation of the rectum), or both.

It's typically caused because of reduced blood supply, autoimmune reactions (wherein the immune system mistakenly starts attacking the body’s healthy tissues) and infections within the large intestine.

Colitis can be debilitating and can sometimes lead to life-threatening complications. It is different from other diseases with similar symptoms, like Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome. There’s no cure, and people usually have symptom flare-ups off and on for life. But the right treatments can help you keep a handle on the disease.

What Are the Symptoms of Colitis?

Symptoms of colitis will depend upon the type of colitis a person has, but in general, colitis most often is associated with abdominal pain and diarrhea. There might be some pus in your stools, too.

Other symptoms may include:
- Presence of blood traces in the stool.
- Tenesmus (constant urge to empty the bowels) is also quite common
- The occurrence of abdominal pain in regular intervals, thus resulting in diarrhea
- Constant abdominal pain  and cramping
- Fever and sudden chills throughout the day

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What are the different types of Colitis? 

As the symptoms depend on the type of colitis, so let us discuss the various types of colitis. There are many types of colitis.

The most common include:

- Inflammatory bowel disease: 

This condition is characterized by inflammation of the intestines or all the parts of one’s digestive tract

- Microscopic colitis: 

This involves inflammation of the large intestine (colon), resulting in a cramping sensation that can be painful

- Chemical colitis:  

This condition is caused due to prolonged exposure to certain harsh chemicals which results in intestinal swelling and inflammation

- Ischemic colitis: 

The most common form of colitis, this occurs mainly due to an insufficient blood supply to the large intestine

- Infectious colitis: 

Caused due to certain bacterial or parasitic infections

Which type of doctor treats Colitis?

Gastroenterologists are the medical specialists that treat diseases of the gastrointestinal organs such as colitis. In some cases, colitis may be managed by primary care specialists or internal medicine specialists. Depending on the type of colitis, other specialists may be involved in the treatment, including infectious disease specialists or surgeons.

How is Colitis treated?

->Diagnosis

Common tests for colitis include X-rays of the colon, testing the stool for blood and pus, sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy. Additional tests include stool cultures and blood tests, including blood chemistry tests.

While unpleasant, the rectal examination is very important. Using a finger, the doctor feels inside the rectum, exploring for any masses or tumors. The color and consistency of the stool can be evaluated, and if it is not grossly bloody, can be tested for occult blood (blood that is present but cannot be seen with the naked eye).

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->Treatment

The route of treatment depends on what is causing colitis.  While it has no known cure, treatment can greatly reduce the signs and symptoms of the disease and even bring about long-term remission.

Many cases require little more than symptomatic care, including clear fluids to rest the bowel and medications to control pain.

- Medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be recommended to ease the pain

- The drug ‘Loperamide’ can control diarrhea. However, this should not be consumed if there is the presence of blood in the stool

- Colitis reduces your appetite. Thus, it is important to maintain a healthy diet in this regard. Avoid consuming dairy products or high fiber foods because they further inflame the large intestine.

- Colectomy (surgically removing a part of the whole of the colon) is recommended in the most severe of cases.