Colitis refers to inflammation of the inner lining of the colon. There are numerous causes of colitis including infection, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are two types of IBD), ischemic colitis, allergic reactions, and microscopic colitis.

Symptoms of colitis depend upon the cause and may include

abdominal pain,

cramping,

diarrhea, with or without blood in the stool (one of the hallmark symptoms of colitis).

Associated symptoms depend upon the cause of colitis and may include

fever,

chills,

fatigue,

dehydration,

eye inflammation,

joint swelling,

canker sores,

skin inflammation.

Blood in the stool is never normal and medical care should be sought for evaluation of the cause.

Depending upon the history and physical examination, further testing may be necessary to find the cause of colitis and may include blood tests (complete blood count, electrolytes, kidney function and inflammatory marker tests), urine and stool samples, colonoscopy, and barium enema.

Treatment of colitis depends upon the cause, and often is focused on symptom relief, supportive care, and maintaining adequate hydration and pain control. Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat infectious causes of colitis. Some bacterial infections that cause colitis resolve without any antibiotic treatment.

Colitis is inflammation of the lining tissues of the large intestine (colon). People suffering from colitis may have typical symptoms and signs that include abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, and diarrhea. Some types of colitis may be associated with bloody diarrhea. Colitis can be part of a disease that affects other parts of the body, causing fever, chills, fatigue, malaise, and dehydration symptoms (weakness, decreased urine output). Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition that has other manifestations in the body, including mouth ulcers, joint swelling, and skin inflammation.

Causes of colitis

Colitis can be caused by infections, loss of blood supply, or chronic diseases. Allergic reactions can also cause colitis. Chronic causes of colitis include inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Loss of blood supply to the colon can be due to atherosclerosis, blood clot, or blood vessel disease. A number of different infections can cause colitis. Bacteria that can cause colitis include Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, Clostridium difficile, Escherichia coli, Yersinia, Chlamydia, Neisseria, and tuberculosis.

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