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Colitis

 

Colitis is swelling (inflammation) of the large intestine (colon).

Causes

Causes of colitis include:

  • Infections, including those caused by a virus, parasite, and food poisoning due to bacteria
  • Ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease
  • Lack of blood flow (ischemic colitis)
  • Past radiation to the large bowel
  • Necrotizing enterocolitis in newborns
  • Pseudomembranous colitis

Symptoms

 

Symptoms can include:

  • Abdominal pain and bloating that may be constant, or come and go
  • Bloody stools
  • Chills
  • Constant urge to have a bowel movement
  • Dehydration
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever

 

Exams and Tests

 

The health care provider will perform a physical exam. You will also be asked questions about your symptoms such as:

  • How long have you had the symptoms?
  • How severe is your pain?
  • How often do you have pain and how long does it last?
  • How often do you have diarrhea?
  • Have you been traveling?

The provider can diagnose colitis by inserting a flexible tube into the rectum (flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy ) and looking at certain areas of the colon. You may have biopsies taken during this exam. Biopsies may show changes related to inflammation. This can help determine the cause of colitis.

Other studies that can identify colitis include:

  • CT scan of the abdomen
  • MRI of the abdomen
  • Barium enema

 

Treatment

 

Your treatment will depend on the cause of the disease.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

The outlook will vary, depending on the cause of the problem.

 

Possible Complications

 

Complications may include:

  • Bleeding
  • Hole in the colon
  • Toxic megacolon
  • Sore (ulceration)

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call your provider if you have symptoms such as:

  • Abdominal pain that does not get better
  • Blood in the stool or stools that look black
  • Diarrhea or vomiting that does not go away
  • Swollen abdomen

 

 

Open References

References

Horn AE, Ufbert JW. Appendicitis, diverticulitis, and colitis. Emerg Med Clin N Am . 2011;29:347-368. PMID: 21515183 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21515183 .

Osterman MT, Lichtenstein GR. Ulcerative colitis. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 116.

Wald A. Other diseases of the colon and rectum. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 128.

 
  • Ulcerative colitis

    Ulcerative colitis - illustration

    Ulcerative colitis is categorized according to location: Proctitis involves only the rectumProctosigmoiditis affects the rectum and sigmoid colonLeft-sided colitis encompasses the entire left side of the large intestinePancolitis inflames the entire colon Proctitis involves only the rectum Proctosigmoiditis affects the rectum and sigmoid colon Left-sided colitis encompasses the entire left side of the large intestine Pancolitis inflames the entire colon

    Ulcerative colitis

    illustration

  • Large intestine

    Large intestine - illustration

    The large intestine (colon) absorbs most of the fluid from foods.

    Large intestine

    illustration

    • Ulcerative colitis

      Ulcerative colitis - illustration

      Ulcerative colitis is categorized according to location: Proctitis involves only the rectumProctosigmoiditis affects the rectum and sigmoid colonLeft-sided colitis encompasses the entire left side of the large intestinePancolitis inflames the entire colon Proctitis involves only the rectum Proctosigmoiditis affects the rectum and sigmoid colon Left-sided colitis encompasses the entire left side of the large intestine Pancolitis inflames the entire colon

      Ulcerative colitis

      illustration

    • Large intestine

      Large intestine - illustration

      The large intestine (colon) absorbs most of the fluid from foods.

      Large intestine

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

    Self Care

     

      Tests for Colitis

       
         

        Review Date: 8/14/2015

        Reviewed By: Subodh K. Lal, MD, gastroenterologist with Gastrointestinal Specialists of Georgia, Austell, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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