Doctor's Notes on Colitis
Colitis refers to inflammation of the lining of the large intestine (large bowel or colon). There are a number of different causes of colitis. Some types of colitis include:
- infectious colitis,
- inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease),
- microscopic colitis, and
- ischemic colitis, in which tissue death occurs due to a reduction in blood supply to the colon.
Symptoms of colitis arise due to the inflammation present in the bowel wall. Signs and symptoms include:
- abdominal pain,
- abdominal cramping,
- diarrhea, and
- blood in the stool (either visible to the naked eye or detected by a laboratory test).
Depending on the cause of the colitis, other symptoms can occur. Associated signs and symptoms may include:
- fever,
- chills,
- fatigue,
- canker sores,
- ulcers at other sites in the gastrointestinal tract,
- dehydration,
- joint pain and swelling, and
- inflammation of the eyes.
What Is the Treatment for Colitis?
Treatment for colitis depends upon the cause and severity of the condition. Treatment options may include:
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections
- Supportive care and fluids with dietary modifications (bowel rest)
- Anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressant medications
- Surgery to remove all or part of the colon
- Biologic therapies
- Antispasmodic medications
- Antidiarrheal medication
- Pain medications
Ulcerative Colitis : Diet, Symptoms & Treatment Quiz

Ulcerative colitis affects the colon. The colon is also referred to as the...
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Clostridium Difficile (C. difficile)
Clostridium difficile (or C. difficile, C. diff) colitis is an infection of the colon. C. diff infection is most commonly associated with antibiotic use. Another common name is pseudomembranous colitis. C. diff bacteria is commonly found on items such as floors, bedpans, phones, and fingernails, etc. C. diff infection causes are use of certain antibiotics. Risk factors for C. diff infection include hospitalization, age, and chronic medical conditions. Treatment is generally with another antibiotic. -
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease (Crohn disease) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and is a chronic long-term inflammation of the digestive tract. The cause of Crohn's disease is unknown. Symptoms of Crohn's disease include diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, bloating, and infections of the urinary tract and vagina. Treatment for Crohn's disease includes lifestyle changes in diet, medication, and surgery. -
Diarrhea
Diarrhea can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, parasites, intestinal diseases or conditions, reactions to medications, and food intolerance or allergies. Symptoms of diarrhea include watery stools, abdominal cramping, fever, and dehydration. Most cases of diarrhea can be treated at home. In some cases (in the elderly, small children, or those with severe or chronic medical conditions) may need to be hospitalized due to dehydration. -
How Do You Get Diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is usually diagnosed with a physical exam, patient history, stool tests, blood tests, endoscopic procedures, and imaging tests (X-ray, CT scans, MRIs). -
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal and functional bowel disorder causing diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, and gas. Learn about treatment options. -
Is Colitis Contagious?
There are some types of colitis that are contagious, and some that are not. Colon inflammation caused by infection by a virus or bacteria can be spread, but autoimmune conditions causing colitis are not transmissible. -
Is Ulcerative Colitis a Serious Condition?
While most people who have ulcerative colitis live a normal lifespan when the disease is properly managed, the condition can be serious, and even fatal, in some cases. Complications of ulcerative colitis include Clostridium difficile (C.diff) infection, increased risk of developing osteoporosis, toxic megacolon, poor growth and delayed puberty, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and increased risk of bowel cancer (rare). For the rare cases in which ulcerative colitis is fatal, the main causes include colorectal cancer, sepsis from infections related to bowel disease, asthma, non-alcohol-related liver disease, and other gastrointestinal diseases. -
Stomach Pain (Abdominal Pain) in Children
Abdominal pain in children can range from trivial to life-threatening. Symptoms of abdominal pain range from vomiting, diarrhea, fever, groin pain, urinary problems, or skin rash. The location of the abdominal pain may be around the belly button, occurs only at night, while eating. The pain pain also may be intermittent. Treatment of abdominal pain in children is depends on the cause. Possible causes of abdominal pain in children include infections, food related (food allergy or food poisoning), poisoning from medication, food, household products, appendicitis, diabetes, or spider bites. -
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an acute or chronic inflammation of the membranes that line the colon. Symptoms and signs of UC include abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, urgency for a bowel movement, fever, fatigue, and lack of appetite. Treatment for UC includes medication and lifestyle changes. On occasion, surgery may be a necessary treatment for ulcerative colitis. -
What Is the Best Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflamed sores on the colon or large intestine. The best treatment for ulcerative colitis depends on the severity of the condition. Treatment typically includes medications to reduce symptoms. Surgery or surgical removal of the colon is reserved for severe cases and is the only permanent cure for ulcerative colitis. -
What Is the Life Expectancy with Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition that causes ulcers in the colon (large intestine), and symptoms such as diarrhea and bleeding. People with ulcerative colitis can usually expect the same life expectancy as people without ulcerative colitis as long as they manage the disease. -
What Were Your First Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes ulcers on the colon, as well as diarrhea and bleeding. The first symptoms of ulcerative colitis may include loose and urgent bowel movements, frequent need to empty the bowels, bloody stool, abdominal cramps and pain, and persistent diarrhea.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.