Colitis means inflammation of the colon. The colon (a part of the large intestine) is the last part of the digestive system and helps absorb water and nutrients from food. When the colon becomes inflamed, it can’t do its job correctly, leading to uncomfortable symptoms.
Common symptoms of colitis include:
Diarrhea (often frequent or urgent).
Abdominal pain or cramps.
Bloating or a feeling of fullness.
Blood or mucus in stool.
An urgent need to use the bathroom.
Fatigue or weakness.
Unintentional weight loss (in severe or long-lasting cases).
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can last for days, weeks, or longer, depending on the underlying cause.
Colitis can have many different causes, including:
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the colon.
Infections: Bacteria (such as Salmonella or E. coli), viruses, or parasites can infect the colon, leading to inflammation.
Ischemic colitis: Poor blood flow to the colon can damage the tissue and cause inflammation.
Microscopic colitis: A type of inflammation that’s only visible under a microscope, often causing chronic diarrhea.
Medication side effects: Certain medications (like some antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs) can irritate the colon lining.
Radiation colitis: Inflammation caused by radiation therapy to the abdomen or pelvis.
If your doctor suspects colitis, they will often recommend a colonoscopy, a procedure that uses a thin, flexible camera to examine the inside of your colon. During this procedure, your doctor will take small samples of colon tissue, called biopsies, to examine under a microscope. Blood tests, stool samples, or imaging tests such as CT scans may also be used to identify the cause of inflammation.
Colitis is described differently based on how long it lasts and the type of inflammation present:
Active colitis: Active colitis refers to inflammation causing current or recent tissue injury, leading to noticeable symptoms. Active colitis is often associated with infections (such as bacteria or viruses) or the side effects of certain medications. However, active colitis can also appear during the early stages of a chronic condition like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Chronic colitis: The symptoms of chronic colitis typically persist for months or even years, often leading to long-term changes in the colon. Chronic colitis is most commonly seen with inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Chronic colitis can have periods of increased symptoms (“flares”) and periods of fewer symptoms (“remission”).
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your colitis.
Possible treatments include:
Medication: Anti-inflammatory medications, antibiotics (if infection is present), or medications that suppress the immune system.
Diet and lifestyle changes: Adjustments to diet may help control symptoms.
Surgery: Rarely, if inflammation is severe or unmanageable with medications, surgery may be needed to remove part of the colon.
Your doctor will use your symptoms, medical history, and pathology results to choose the best treatment approach for you.