Colitis (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Colitis Overview
- Colitis Causes
- Colitis Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Colitis Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
- Medical Treatment
- Medications
- Surgery
- Other Therapy
- Next Steps
- Follow-up
- Prevention
- Outlook
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
- Pictures of Digestive Disease Myths - Slideshow

- Viewer Comments: Colitis - Describe Your Experience
Other Therapy
- Diet: Diet is the mainstay therapy for most causes of colitis. A clear fluid diet
allows the colon to rest, since the fluid is absorbed in the stomach and none is
passed into the colon to be processed as stool.
- Hydration: Adequate hydration is important because an individual can lose a significant
amount of fluid with each diarrheal bowel movement. Aside from the daily fluid
requirements, this excess loss needs to be replaced, otherwise dehydration will
occur and potentially worsen the symptoms of abdominal pain and cramping.
- IV fluids: Intravenous (IV) fluid may be required, especially if the patient cannot drink enough fluids by mouth. For some illnesses like ischemic colitis, in which blood flow to the bowel is already compromised, adequate hydration is a key element in treatment.
Next: Next Steps »
Viewer Comments & Reviews
Colitis - Describe Your Experience
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Please describe your experience with Colitis.
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Colitis »
Colitis is an inflammation of the colon. It may be associated with enteritis (inflammation of the intestine) and/or proctitis (inflammation of the rectum).
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