Colitis is a medical condition that characterizes swelling of the membrane lining the colon. This may be in the large intestine or the bowel. There are different kinds of colitis. One of these is the ulcerative colitis. This colitis causes the swelling in the intestines. This usually occurs to individuals under 30. There are also cases in which the small intestine is affected but only in the lower section called ileum. Chrohn disease another form of colitis, affects the deeper portion of the intestine wall. This may also affect the mouth, esophagus, stomach, large intestine, appendix or anus. Two million people in the United States are affected by either of these two types of colitis. Another type is the irritable bowel syndrome. This results to cramps, excessive production of gas, bloating and irregular bowel movements. Amebiasis, a type of colitis due to E histolytica, is a sexually transmitted disease common among homosexual men. Other types are radiation-associated colitis which occurs after radiotherapy; ischemic colitis, common among elderly; and antibiotic-associated colitis affecting individuals taking antibiotics.
The common symptoms exhibited in colitis are frequent loose bowel movements, urgency in making bowel movements, abdominal pain, fever, and loss of appetite that may lead to weight loss. Diarrhea, rectal bleeding and painful spasms may also be experienced. A virus or bacteria may cause colitis. This may be from contaminated food or water that the person may intake. This will then lead to a negative reaction of the body’s immune system: inflammation. Genetics may also be a contributing factor to colitis. So are environmental factors such as smoking and other harmful agents. Birth control pills have also been said to contribute to the development of colitis.
There are several methods available for colitis diagnosis. Physical tests and laboratory tests can be taken. In the physical exam, the abdomen and other body systems will be examined. A rectal examination is one example of this. This test will check if there is blood in your stool or check for any anal changes in the body. Laboratory tests include examination of stool samples and full blood count and blood film. Other methods are through x-rays, a barium enema and ultrasounds. A sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy may also be used to diagnose colitis.
In the case of mild colitis, the control of inflammation will be the primary focus of treatment. 5-ASA agents will be prescribed to the patient. Other form of medication may be prescribed according to the type of colitis the individual has. For ulcerative colitis, mesalazine-driving drugs such as asacol and pentasa are usually used. Imidazole, ciprofloxacin and predigested liquid are prescribed for individuals suffering from Crohn disease.
If all else fails, surgery is another option to treat colitis. The most common of which is a proctocolectomy with ileostomy. Proctocolectomy involves the removal of the entire colon and rectum while ileostomy creates a new passageway of waste for the body. Ileoanal anastomosis or pull-through operation is another surgical treatment for colitis. In this procedure, the colon and not the whole of the rectum is removed. There is a pouch that is formed for waste management.
