An Assortment of Colitis

Colitis can emerge in diverse forms. All forms of colitis are coupled with inflammation of the colon. Despite the fact that several kinds may be more serious and possibly life-threatening than others it is always important to diagnose the type of Colitis since treatment varies for each type.

Let us look into several common forms:

Ulcerative Colitis

This Colitis is the most widespread form. It is the chronic inflammation of the large intestine or colon. It can also cause inflammation in the joints, the spine, the eyes, skin, liver and bile ducts. The cause of this intestinal disorder is still not known. Usual warning signs of this type of Colitis are irregular bleeding of the rectum, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. Diagnosis is made by means of a barium enema, likewise known as a lower gastrointestinal exam, which is a test that applies x-ray assessment to check over the large intestine. But a more accurate diagnosis is made through utilizing sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. Ulcerative Colitis that has persisted for a long period of time is a risk factor for colon cancer. Treatment may necessitate medications and surgery.

Crohn's Disease

This form of Colitis is closely related to ulcerative colitis. Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the intestines. The inflammation mainly involves the entire span of the intestinal wall, which are the small and large intestines, but can also impinge on other parts of the digestive system. This condition can result to the formation of ulcers in either or both the small intestine and colon. The cause of this disease is still unidentified. The most obvious warning signs are acute stomach pain, diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and alarming loss of weight. Crohn's disease of the small intestine may lead to blockage of the intestine. This digestive disease can be linked to swollen skin lesions, and joints, spine, eyes, and liver inflammation. Diagnosis is obtained by a barium enema, barium x-ray of the small intestine, and colonoscopy. Treatment will depend on the gravity of the disease and what part of the digestive tract is involved. Choices for therapy include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and surgery.

Ischemic Colitis

This form refers to the abrupt inflammation of the colon that comes about when there is temporary loss or a decrease of blood flow to the colon. It arises predominantly in people over 50 and who have a history of peripheral artery disease, heart failure, diabetes, stroke, and low blood pressure. For most cases of ischemic colitis, treatment is not needed as the condition is mild and will improve in the course of time.

Diversion Colitis

It is the inflammation of the lower part of the large intestine which occurs as an after-effect of the gastrointestinal surgical procedures ileostomy or colostomy to remove damaged parts of the intestine. Treatment is not necessary for most people as the symptoms are merely mild and disappear naturally over the course of time.

Infectious Colitis

Infectious colitis is the inflammation of the small intestine or colon caused by infection brought about by disease-causing bacteria or a virus. This form of Colitis can become chronic, but for other people a prescribed amount of antibiotics can eliminate the disease completely.

Microscopic Colitis

This form of Colitis refers to collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis, two digestive conditions indicated by persistent, runny, non-bloody diarrhea. Inflammation on the outer surface of the colon is not visible when examined through a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, so a biopsy is required to arrive at a diagnosis.

Chemical Colitis

This form of Colitis comes about when the inflammation of the large intestine is caused by harsh chemicals that filter through the colon by a barium enema or some other method.