Index
1. What is colitis?
2. What are the different types of colitis?
What causes colitis?
4. What are the symptoms of colitis?
5. How is colitis diagnosed?
6. How is colitis cured?
7. Foods to avoid
8. Recommended foods to incorporate in the diet
What is colitis?
Colitis is characterized by inflammation of the inner lining of the colon. Colitis can be a symptom of an illness that affects other parts of the body, and can cause fever, chills, fatigue and dehydration.
There are many types of colitis that are generally classified by the symptoms of each. The two most common types are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, which are different types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Ulcerative colitis causes other manifestations in the body, such as mouth ulcers, joint swelling and skin inflammation.
What are the different types of colitis?
The types of colitis are classified according to the symptoms that cause it. Some of the different types of colitis are:
- Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. These two types of colitis are classified under inflammatory bowel disease. Ulcerative colitis occurs when the immune system overreacts to bacteria in the digestive tract. It begins in the rectum and spreads to the colon.
- Pseudomembranous colitis. This type of colitis is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria known as Clostridium difficile. Normally found living in the intestine, this bacterium usually does not cause problems because of the balance with the good bacteria. Clostridium difficile takes over when drugs such as antibiotics destroy the good bacteria. The toxins that are released cause inflammation.
- Ischemic colitis. Occurs when blood flow to the colon is cut off or restricted.
What causes colitis?
The most common causes of colitis are:
- Infections or viruses.
- Loss of blood supply
- Chronic diseases
- Allergic reactions
What are the symptoms of colitis?
Symptoms of ulcerative colitis may include:
- Diarrhea.
- abdominal pain and cramping
- rectal pain
- Rectal bleeding, seeing a small amount of blood in the stool.
- Uncontrolled urge to go to the bathroom.
- Inability to defecate despite the need to do so.
- Weight loss.
- Fatigue.
- fever
How is colitis diagnosed?
A physical examination by a specialist helps determine the cause of the patient’s symptoms. The doctor will measure the patient’s blood pressure and check the patient’s temperature for fever. An examination of the abdomen will be done to check for tenderness. Bowel sounds are listened for using a stethoscope.
A blood test may measure hemoglobin and hematocrit levels to detect anemia. Stool samples may also be collected to look for bacterial and parasitic infections such as the cause of colitis. Stool may also be tested for blood.
How is colitis cured?
Treatment of colitis will depend on the severity of the patient’s disease. Treatment usually involves a change in diet, nutritional supplements and prescription medications. In severe cases, surgery may be required.
Mild colitis responds to medications such as steroids and anti-inflammatory drugs. More severe symptoms will require stronger medications such as immunomodulatory medications, which suppress the immune system to prevent inflammation.
Surgery may be required to remove the large intestine, however, this may cause other problems in different areas of the body.
Foods to avoid
- Alcohol and carbonated beverages.
- caffeine
- dairy products
- raw fruits and vegetables
- Legumes.
Recommended foods to incorporate to the diet
- Omega-3 fatty acids (found in salmon).
- Probiotics (kefir).
- Foods rich in iron (green vegetables).
- Turmeric.
- Foods rich in folic acid.