Colitis in Northwest Arkansas
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Find a ProviderAbout colitis
Colitis is a disorder characterized by general inflammation in the inside wall of the large bowel. Even though ulcerative colitis is occasionally referred to as colitis, they are actually not the same thing. There are multiple forms of colitis that might cause swelling of the colon, as well as other specific problems. Some common types of colitis:
- Microscopic colitis: Leads to frequent loose stool
- IBD colitis (ulcerative colitis): Leads to irritation and inflammation of the digestive tract
- Ischemic (ischaemic) colitis: An outcome of insufficient blood supply
- Infectious colitis (food poisoning): Caused by consumption of bacteria and viruses
The expert providers at GI Alliance of Arkansas are experienced in treating all types of colitis as well as other GI ailments. If you want to get treatment for colitis in Arkansas or to explore possible care choices, we encourage you to request a consultation at our practice today.
What causes colitis?
The inside lining of the large intestine may become inflamed due to a number of causes. Several of the most common reasons include:
- Crohn's disease
- Allergic reactions
- Certain nonprescription and prescription medicines (common medications causing colitis are NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and mycophenolate
- Attack of the intestinal lining with protein or lymphocytes
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Infection (related to parasites invading the digestive system)
- Diminished blood flow to the large bowel (ischemia)
Regardless of the reason for your colitis, the physicians at GI Alliance of Arkansas are equipped to treat your illness.
What are the symptoms of colitis?
Some signs that may indicate colitis are:
- Sores on the colon
- Sores in the mouth
- Fever and/or chilling (symptoms of infection)
- Rapid weight loss
- Fatigue
- Discomfort in/of the joints or abdomen (colon), which may happen in recurring patterns or be constant
- More frequent bowel habits (including a persistent urge to have a bowel movement)
- Tenderness in the abdomen
- Diarrhea (with or without the presence of blood in the stool)
- Depression
- Cramping
- Blood in bowel movements
- Swelling or redness of the eyes
When you are having any of these problems regularly, don't hesitate to reach out to us and seek support from our group of Arkansas gastrointestinal providers.
What are some treatment options for colitis?
There are some treatments used to address all forms of colitis, including:
- Normalizing essential body functions
- Administering fluids to the body (orally or using an IV)
- Altering your diet
- Painkillers
- Common inflammatory bowel disease medications
Your course of treatment might vary, depending on the underlying cause of your colitis:
- Infections: When bacteria is the cause of infection, then antibiotics may be given. If the problem is caused by a virus, then hydrating the body and waiting a few days are normally the primary ways to resolve your colitis.
- Inflammatory bowel disease: If your inflammation is caused by ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, then NSAID medications might be prescribed to start with. If needed, immunosuppressant drugs may also be added. Surgery might be required, according to the level of the colitis.
- Ischemic colitis: The typical intervention for ischemic colitis is to hydrate the body with intravenous therapy and stick with a clear liquid diet. In the event that blood flow is not improved to the colon, then surgery might be used to extract those portions of the large bowel that lost blood flow.
- Microscopic colitis: In some instances, the body is capable of healing by itself. It might alternatively be addressed using anti-diarrheal medication and some steroid drugs, alterations to diet, and (rarely) surgical procedures.
When should I visit a physician about colitis?
If you are suffering from diarrhea lasting more than two weeks, have noticed blood in your bowel movements, are experiencing fever and/or dehydration, or have unexplained abdominal pain, then please speak with a physician as soon as you can.
If you are seeking a doctor to partner with you to alleviate or manage colitis, you can locate an experienced GI physician at GI Alliance of Arkansas.
Specialized care for colitis
The physicians at GI Alliance of Arkansas are always at the forefront of current and emerging therapies for colitis and numerous other GI diseases. We are proud to help our patients realize a higher quality of life by providing patient-focused treatment. For individualized colitis care in Arkansas, we encourage you to request a consultation with our GI practice.
Colitis FAQs
How do colitis and ulcerative colitis differ?
Colitis refers to inflammation of the colon, which can be triggered by various causes such as infections, ischemia, reactions to medications, or allergies. This condition typically presents symptoms like abdominal discomfort and diarrhea. Ulcerative colitis, a subset of colitis, is categorized as an inflammatory bowel disease and involves chronic inflammation with ulcer formation in the colon and rectum, often resulting in more intense symptoms.
Is it possible to manage colitis with dietary changes?
For those dealing with colitis, it is essential to follow a dietary regimen that supports intestinal health and alleviates symptoms. This may include adhering to a low-residue diet to decrease bowel movement frequency and bulk. An anti-inflammatory diet that includes foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, lean protein, and a variety of fruits and vegetables may also help support your digestive health. Implementing an elimination diet to pinpoint and exclude food triggers such as gluten, dairy, and processed foods can further help in managing your colitis symptoms effectively.
What are the potential risks of not treating colitis?
Ignoring colitis can lead to serious health risks, including colon perforation, where a tear may occur in the colon wall, posing a severe threat. Another significant complication is toxic megacolon, which involves the swift expansion and possible rupture of the colon. If left untreated, the persistent inflammation associated with colitis may increase the risk of colon cancer or contribute to the development of other inflammatory conditions, including arthritis and certain skin issues. Prompt diagnosis and proactive management are vital to avoiding these critical health issues.
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