Types of Colitis

Colitis is a painful disease that affects the large intestine. There is a variety of causes for the condition, from the bacterial and viral to the chemical. If you have colitis, rest, fluids and a bland diet are essential to allowing the colon to heal and return to its normally functioning state.

Identification

• Colitis occurs when the colon becomes inflamed and irritated, resulting in diarrhea and abdominal pain. The colon is also known as the large intestine, and absorbs water and minerals from digested food and then forms the remaining waste into feces.

Types

• Colitis caused by viruses or bacterial infections is called infectious colitis. Salmonella, E. coli and other food-borne illnesses are included in this category. Pseudomembranous colitis is also considered an infectious form of colitis, and is caused by clostridium difficile bacteria. This type of colitis occurs when antibiotic use changes the type of bacteria normally present in the colon and allows clostridium bacteria to grow.

  Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are both forms of inflammatory bowel disease. In Crohn's disease, ulcers or open sores form along the small and large intestines, while in ulcerative colitis, ulcers are usually limited to the lower section of the large intestine. Both of these conditions are chronic.

  Ischemic colitis is caused when the arteries carrying blood to the colon narrow, causing the colon to receive less blood and become inflamed. In some cases, the narrowing can be caused by the development of plaque in the arteries, and the resulting blockage can either be temporary or permanent. Ischemic colitis is also caused by a type of hernia that traps part of the colon in the abdominal wall, or volvulus, a condition in which the bowel becomes twisted around itself.

  Chemical colitis, a relatively rare form of colitis, occurs when chemicals are put into the colon, causing inflammation or damage. This can occur when harsh chemicals are used in enemas, or if a contaminated endoscope is used during a diagnostic procedure. A endoscope is a thin, fiber-optic tube with a camera attached that is used to view the digestive tract.

Features

• Symptoms of colitis may include bloody bowel movements, the constant urge to have a bowel movement, abdominal pain, nausea, fever, chills and diarrhea, which may be bloody. People who have inflammatory bowel disease may experience weight loss and intestinal bleeding. Consult your doctor if you experience diarrhea that does not resolve itself in a day or two, or dehydration, fever, blood in a bowel movement or severe pain.

  When you visit your doctor, she will ask you to describe your symptoms and ask if you have traveled recently, begun a new diet, had a drink of water from a river or used antibiotics. You will be asked to provide a stool sample, and a rectal examination will probably be performed. Your doctor will insert a finger in your rectum to feel for masses or tumors. A blood test will be ordered, and a colonoscopy may be needed if the cause of colitis cannot be determined via other means. During a colonoscopy, a flexible tube containing a camera is inserted into the anus so the colon can be viewed.

Considerations

• If colitis is caused by a virus, you will be advised to restrict your diet to clear fluids for 24 hours, increase your fluid intake and take medication for pain. In cases of severe dehydration, intravenous fluids may be needed. Some bacterial infections will require antibiotics. If you develop ischemic colitis, you will need to be admitted to the hospital. If the lack of blood supply has severely damaged part of the colon, it may need to be removed. Inflammatory bowel disease is treated by anti-inflammatory drugs and immunosuppressants, if needed. You may need to take medication every day to prevent flareups of colitis symptoms.

Prevention/Solution

• Inadequate sanitation and contaminated drinking water contribute to a large number of colitis cases. Washing your hands frequently, cleaning kitchen utensils when you are preparing meat or chicken, and avoiding drinking water from unknown sources can all help prevent colitis.