Colitis refers to inflammation of the colon, which can result from various conditions, including ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and infectious colitis. Symptoms often include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and blood in the stool. In India, the prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease, including colitis, is increasing, with an estimated 1.5 million people affected.

Acute colitis, caused by temporary infections, food intolerance, or radiation exposure, typically disappears on its own. Some infections, like parasite infections, require treatment. Allergic colitis, an acute reaction to a chronic condition, requires treatment. Ischemic colitis from intestinal ischemic syndrome requires blood flow restoration to the colon, while diversion colitis in colostomies requires anastomosis surgery.

Chronic colitis, caused by inflammatory bowel disease, can temporarily go away through remission. Treatment focuses on improving symptoms and ensuring remission lasts, especially if colitis is caused by another uncured condition.

Effective management involves a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgery. If you experience persistent abdominal pain, frequent diarrhoea, or notice blood in your stool, it’s crucial to see a doctor promptly for accurate diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications.

1. Infections:

• Bacterial Infections:Common bacteria like Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Shigella, and Clostridium difficile can cause colitis by infecting the colon.
• Viral Infections:Viruses such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) and norovirus can lead to inflammation of the colon.
  
• Parasitic Infections:Parasites like Entamoeba histolytica can cause amoebic colitis, particularly in regions with poor sanitation.
  

2. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD):

• Ulcerative Colitis:A chronic condition characterized by inflammation and ulcers in the innermost lining of the colon and rectum. The exact cause is unknown but involves an abnormal immune response.
  
• Crohn’s Disease: Another form of IBD that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, including the colon. The inflammation can penetrate deeper layers of the bowel wall.
  

3. Ischemic Colitis:

• Occurs when blood flow to part of the colon is reduced, leading to inflammation and injury.
  
• Causes include conditions like atherosclerosis, blood clots, or low blood pressure, which can restrict blood supply to the colon.
  

4. Microscopic Colitis:

• Includes two types:lymphocytic colitis and collagenous colitis.
  
• Characterised by chronic, watery diarrhoea and inflammation that is only visible under a microscope.
  
• The exact cause is unknown but may be related to autoimmune responses, infections, or certain medications.
  

5. Medications and Toxins:

• Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs):Long-term use can cause inflammation and ulceration in the colon.
  
• Antibiotics: Can disrupt the normal gut flora, leading to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria like Clostridium difficile.
  
• Chemotherapy Drugs: Can irritate the lining of the colon, causing inflammation.
  

6. Autoimmune Conditions:
Conditions where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, including the colon. Examples include lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

7. Genetic Factors:
A family history of colitis or other inflammatory bowel diseases increases the risk, suggesting a genetic predisposition.

Colitis, characterised by inflammation of the colon, can present with a variety of symptoms that signal the need for medical evaluation and treatment. Here are some common Colitis symptoms that indicate the possible need for treatment:

1. Persistent Diarrhoea:One of the most common symptoms of colitis is chronic diarrhoea, often accompanied by an urgent need to defecate. The stools may be loose or watery and can occur multiple times a day. In severe cases, diarrhoea may be accompanied by mucus or blood.

2. Abdominal Pain and Cramping:Individuals with colitis frequently experience abdominal pain and cramping. The pain can be localised to specific areas of the abdomen or can be more generalised. It often worsens after eating and may be relieved temporarily after bowel movements.

3. Blood in Stool: The presence of blood in the stool is a concerning symptom that warrants immediate medical attention. Blood can appear bright red, indicating lower gastrointestinal bleeding, or darker, suggesting bleeding from higher up in the digestive tract.

4. Fatigue and Weakness:Chronic inflammation and frequent diarrhoea can lead to significant fatigue and weakness. The body’s effort to combat ongoing inflammation, along with nutrient loss through diarrhoea, contributes to these symptoms.

5. Unintended Weight Loss:Unexplained weight loss is another symptom associated with colitis. Malabsorption of nutrients due to inflammation, along with reduced appetite and increased metabolic demands, can lead to significant weight loss over time.

6. Fever:A persistent low-grade fever may occur in individuals with colitis, especially during flare-ups. Fever indicates an ongoing inflammatory process or infection within the colon.

7. Rectal Pain:Pain and discomfort in the rectal area are common in colitis. This symptom is often associated with the frequent passage of stools and the presence of inflammation in the rectum (proctitis).

8. Urgency and Incontinence:People with colitis often experience an urgent need to defecate, which can lead to accidents or incontinence. This urgency is usually due to inflammation and irritation of the colon lining.

9. Bloating and Gas:Bloating and excessive gas are additional symptoms that can accompany colitis. These symptoms result from inflammation and disruption of normal digestive processes.

10. Anaemia:Chronic blood loss from the inflamed colon can lead to anaemia, characterised by symptoms such as paleness, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Anaemia results from reduced red blood cell count or haemoglobin levels.