Colitis is a chronic disease that refers to inflammation of the colon, which is the large intestine. It can be caused by various factors, which include infections, autoimmune reactions, or inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding.

If you have questions about colitis, you can visit Doral Health and Wellness. We have the best gastroenterologist that can help you with your condition. You can contact us by visiting our clinic or visiting our website at https://doralhw.org/.

Causes

Colitis can have various causes, which can include:

• Infections — Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can lead to colitis.
• Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) — Several conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic inflammatory conditions that can affect your digestive tract.
• Ischemic Colitis — Reduced blood flow to your colon can cause inflammation, which are often related to vascular issues.
• Microscopic Colitis — This condition is characterized by inflammation. Which are visible only under a microscope, although the cause is not always clear.
• Autoimmune reactions — In some cases, your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks your colon, leading to inflammation.
• Allergic reactions — Although rare, allergies to certain foods or substances can also be a contributing factor.
• Radiation — Colitis can occur as a side effect of radiation therapy in the pelvic region.

It’s essential that you consult a medical provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment based on your condition’s specific cause.

Symptoms

The symptoms for colitis can vary, depending on its underlying cause, but common symptoms can include:

• Abdominal pain — Discomfort or cramping in your abdominal area.
• Diarrhea — Frequent bowel movements, often with blood or pus.
• Rectal bleeding — Blood in your stool or noticeable bleeding during bowel movements.
• Weight loss — Unintentional weight loss can also occur in some cases.
• Fatigue — A feeling of being tired or lethargic.
• Fever — Elevated body temperature can also accompany inflammation.
• Dehydration — Diarrhea can lead to fluid loss and lead to dehydration.
• Urgency to poop — A strong, sudden need to have a poop.

If you experience persistent or severe symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately for proper diagnosis and management of your condition.

Types

There are several types of colitis, each with distinct causes and characteristics. Here are some of the most common types of colitis, which can include:

• Ulcerative Colitis — A form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by chronic inflammation and ulcers in your colon and rectum.
• Crohn’s Disease — Another type of IBD that can affect any part of your digestive tract, causing inflammation and complications such as strictures or fistulas.
• Ischemic Colitis — This condition is caused by the reduced blood flow to the colon, often due to blood vessel issues.
• Microscopic Colitis — The inflammation is visible only under a microscope, and it includes collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis.
• Infectious Colitis — Caused by infections such as bacterial, viral, or parasitic, which can lead to inflammation in your colon.
• Chemical Colitis — Inflammation resulting from exposure to certain chemicals or substances.
• Autoimmune Colitis — Inflammatory response due to the immune system mistakenly attacking by the colon.
• Allergic Colitis — Rare cases where allergies to certain foods or substances contribute to the inflammation.

Each type of colitis requires specific diagnosis and treatment, so consulting a medical provider is very important when if you suspect colitis.

If you or your loved one have signs and symptoms for colitis, have them/yourself checked. You can schedule an appointment with Doral Health and Wellness Gastroenterology Center’s best gastro doctors in Brooklyn. If you are looking for treatments, you can also talk to our specialists and inquire with them. To schedule an appointment, please visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212 or call 1-347-384-5690.