Colitis is one of the many digestive diseases that affect the colon, resulting in the inflammation of the walls and lining of the colon. The exact cause of inflammation cannot be accurately determined, since the signs and symptoms of colitis vary, both in terms of severity and duration of the medical condition.
Before the commons signs and symptoms of colitis can be understood, it is essential to determine the type of colitis a person is suffering from. This has been classified below:
- Autoimmune disorders: Symptoms of colitis may be a result of autoimmune disorders which includes inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease.
- Microscopic colitis: Internal factors and abnormalities can lead to developing symptoms of colitis caused due to microscopic, lymphocytic, and collagenous colitis. These conditions are rare and can be identified only when the affected colon tissue is examined under a microscope.
- Colitis caused due to common surgery complications: Symptoms of colitis can also be a result of diversion and chemical colitis, both which are complications of colon surgery that includes ileostomy or colostomy. Chemical colitis can also be a complication simple procedures like an enema.
- Vascular disease: Colitis can also be the result of complications due to certain vascular diseases which include ischemic colitis resulting in inflammation and injuries due to inadequate blood supply affecting circulation. A reduced blood supply can also result in the formation of blood clots in the large intestine.
- Infectious colitis: This is a subtype of colitis which is caused due to parasitic infections.
Symptoms of colitis include:
- Blood in bowel movements; this is not normal. This symptom can also be associated with diarrhea. Whatever the case may be, be it a symptom of colitis or diarrhea, blood in your stools is a clear indicator that should not be taken lightly as this could be a complication of vascular diseases that result in blood clots in the large intestine.
- Tenesmus, which can be defined as a constant urge to have bowel movements, is a clear indicator of developing signs and symptoms of colitis.
- Abdominal pain, which can also be confused as one of the symptoms of diarrhea, can be the result of autoimmune disorders like inflammatory bowel disease, which include ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
- Fecal incontinence is one of the glaring symptoms of colitis which indicates lack of control over defecation. This condition often results in loss of bowels and all its contents.
- Flatulence, also more commonly known as farting, is the release of gases that build up in the digestive system. Flatulence is a natural bodily response releasing the buildup. However, uncontrollable flatulence can also be one of the indicators of developing colitis.
- Fatigue, loss of appetite, and unexplained weight loss are the visible symptoms of colitis. The severity of the condition will determine the necessary course of diet and treatment to restore balance to the digestive system. Medications and home remedies can help provide long-term relief, with other viable alternatives and options to overcome the discomforts caused due to this digestive disorder.
- Shortness of breath, irregular heart rhythm, and even high fever are noticeable indicators demanding immediate and proper medical attention for colitis treatment.