Colitis : Colitis refers to inflammation of the colon that can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea. Learn about common causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention, types, and diet.
Must Read Articles:
-
Clostridium Difficile (C. difficile, C. diff)
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 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
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. -
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 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 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.
Featured:
Expert Views and News
- Study: Fecal Transplants May Help Colitis
- Chronic Constipation May Signal Serious Disorder
- Hospital Food Contaminated With Dangerous Diarrhea Bug C. diff
- Humira Approved for Ulcerative Colitis Treatment
- New Antibiotic in the Works for Dangerous C. Diff
- New Way to Ease Ulcerative Colitis?
- Southerners May Be Less Likely to Have Crohn's
- C. Diff Vaccine Shows Promise
- C. diff on the Rise Outside the Hospital
Colitis Topic Guide - Visuals
Slideshows, Pictures, Images, and Quizzes:
-
Slideshow
-
Slideshow
-
Slideshow
-
Slideshow
-
Quiz
-
Slideshow
-
Slideshow
-
Slideshow
-
Slideshow
-
Quiz
-
Slideshow
-
-
Slideshow
Colitis Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins
Medications:
HyoscyamineHyoscyamine is used to treat many different stomach and intestinal disorders, including peptic ulcer and irritable bowel syndrome. It is also used to contro...learn more »
SulfasalazineSulfasalazine is used to treat ulcerative colitis (UC), and to decrease the frequency of UC attacks. Sulfasalazine will not cure ulcerative colitis, ...learn more »
PrednisonePrednisone is a steroid that reduces inflammation in the body, and also suppresses your immune system...learn more »
Hydrocortisone Rectal (foam, Enema)Hydrocortisone rectal (foam or enema) is a steroid medicine that is used with other medicines to treat ulcerative colitis and its effects on the lower intest...learn more »
Dexamethasone (injection)Dexamethasone is a steroid medicine used to treat many different conditions such as allergic disorders, skin conditions, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, lupus...learn more »
Dexamethasone (oral)There are many brands and forms of dexamethasone available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet...learn more »
AtropineAtropine is used to help reduce saliva, mucus, or other secretions in your airway during a surgery...learn more »
PrednisolonePrednisolone is a steroid that prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation...learn more »
Colitis Topic Guide – Related Topics
Related Topics:
Diverticulitis vs Ulcerative Colitis UC
Diverticulosis is a condition that describes small pouches in the wall of the digestive tract that occur when the inner layer of the digestive tract bulges thro...learn more »
Crohn’s Disease vs Ulcerative Colitis Difference
Both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that cause similar symptoms. Crohn's disease can affect any part of th...learn more »
Are Bananas Good for Colitis
Colitis is inflammation of the colon's inner lining, caused by infection, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease), isch...learn more »
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There is no specific diet for ulcerative colitis, but some foods can cause a flare (worsening)...learn more »
Colon Cancer Symptoms vs Ulcerative Colitis
Colon cancer or colorectal cancer is cancer that originates from the color or rectum, and is the third most common type of cancer diagnosed in the US. Ulcerat...learn more »
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis (stomach flu) is most commonly caused by viruses and bacteria like Norovirus, rotavirus, adenovirus, parvovirus, and Astrovirus. Bacteria caus...learn more »