What Is Self-Limited Colitis?

Self-limited colitis is an inflammation of the colon that usually lasts a short time. It is often referred to as acute self-limited colitis for its sudden onset, sharp rise and short course.

Possible Causes

• An infectious organism can cause self-limited colitis. Some common infectious organisms responsible for this condition are Campylobacter jejunalis, Salmonella, Shigella and Yersinia. Parasites can also cause self-limited colitis.

Unknown Causes

• In about half the cases of self-limited colitis no bacteria cause can be found. These cases may be caused by a virus.

Symptoms of Self-Limited Colitis

• Abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, fatigue, cramping, urgency and bloating may be present in a patient with self-limited colitis. These symptoms usually go away once the infection is treated.

Tests to Confirm Diagnosis

• A doctor will review a patient's medical history, perform a physical examination, order laboratory tests, including stool cultures, CBC, electrolytes, stool ova, parasite tests, and do a procedure called a colonoscopy to confirm the diagnosis. The outcome of these tests determines if the inflammation in the colon is self-limited or a chronic form of colitis.

Colonoscope

• A colonoscope is a useful diagnostic tool. With this flexible tube, the doctor can take tissue biopsies and look inside the colon to determine if the inflammation is caused by self-limited colitis or a chronic form of colitis. One way to determine the difference is by looking at the inflammation levels of mucosa---in self-limited colits, inflammation is restricted to upper and mid zones of mucosa.