Signs & Symptoms of Microscopic Colitis

Microscopic colitis isn't actually one solitary condition, but a grouping of two different digestive disorders. The reason these two inflammatory ailments of the colon are often classified as one is the way in which they are commonly diagnosed. Both are done so through a microscopic assessment of the colon. While the diagnosis may be a little more detailed to discern whether or not someone is suffering from one of these two conditions, there is no doubt that something is wrong, as microscopic colitis brings with it a number of uncomfortable symptoms.

Diarrhea

• No matter what form of microscopic colitis affects a person, he will typically suffer from chronic diarrhea. This is largely due to the inflammation characteristic in both conditions. As the inflammation develops, the way in which the colon contracts and relaxes undergoes a change. Instead of these two actions performing in time, the contractions will become far more prolonged and intense. This causes the stool to pass at an abnormally heightened rate. With healthy bowel movements, the stool moves through the large intestines where liquid is absorbed. This doesn't happen with microscopic colitis, causing loose, watery stools to be formed, sometimes to the point of incontinence.

Cramping & Pain

• These prolonged contractions resulting from the inflammation can cause many people to suffer from cramping. As muscles contract for longer and longer periods of time, they can begin to experience a spasm. If this spasm is forceful enough, the muscle won't relax and it will suddenly turn into a cramp. This cramp is soon felt as a pain in the abdomen.

Bloating

• It is common for a person dealing with microscopic colitis to experience some level of bloating within the abdominal region. This is partly due to the lack of liquid absorption occurring within the large intestines. Many times, the accumulation of liquid can cause a person to bloat. And since absorption is impeded with these two conditions, liquid will inevitably accumulate. However, this bloating may also be due to the amount of intestinal gas building up in the colon. As food passes at a faster rate, there is the potential for some fermentation to take place within any substances that aren't fully digested. Fermentation causes gas, which can cause a person to bloat.

Dehydration

• Another potential symptom of microscopic colitis will involve dehydration. As mentioned before, the inflammation occurring within the colon impedes the absorption of liquids. But this just doesn't cause diarrhea, it can also cause a person to become dehydrated as a result of a loss of liquid. If it's not absorbed back into the system, it is expelled in the stool.

Nausea & Weight Loss

• Though not necessarily as prevalent as the other symptoms, people with microscopic colitis can also suffer from both nausea and weight loss. Nausea is simply a reaction of the body to the digestive changes taking place with the condition. Weight loss is also a reaction of sorts, but can stem from nutrients not fully being absorbed into the system as well as a byproduct of the nausea, prompting the individual to not eat as much as normal.