Colitis refers to inflammation of the colon (the main part of the large intestine) that usually causes abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Causes of Chronic Colitis

Collagenous and Lymphocytic Colitis

Old people between 60-80 years of age may suffer from two special types of colitis. One type is collagenous colitis with excessive amount of connective tissue (collagen) in the mucosal layer of the colon. In the another type - lymphocytic colitis - lymphocytes ( a special type ow white cells) can be found in colonic mucosa. Some researchers believe that both types represent two different phases of the same disorder.

Main symptoms in both types are watery diarrhea (without blood) and left or right side abdominal pain.

continue reading Collagenous & Lymphocytic (Microscopic) Colitis – Symptoms, Treatment

What Is Ischemic Colitis?

Ischemic colitis is inflammation of the colon ( a part of the large intestine) due to impaired blood flow (colonic ischemia), usually appearing in persons after 50 years of age. This may trigger sudden (acute) or long term (chronic) abdominal pain, blood in the stool and diarrhea. Injury of the colon may be mild and temporary or severe and requiring surgery.

Symptoms

Symptoms of chronic ischemic colitis may slowly develop over a long period of time, or appear as a flare and may include:

• Lower left side abdominal pain, or pain anywhere else in the stomach
• Bright red blood in the stool
• Diarrhea, or urgency to have a bowel movement
• Nausea
• Low grade fever

continue reading Chronic Ischemic Colitis Symptoms, Diagnosis, Diet, Surgery

What is Chronic Colitis and What Are Its Symptoms?

Chronic colitis refers to inflammation of the colon (a part of the large intestine), lasting from months to years, and appearing as:

• Abdominal (stomach) pain or cramping
• Diarrhea (loose bowel movements) or constipation
• Nausea
• Sometimes: low grade fever, blood in the stool, skin rash, mouth ulcers

continue reading Chronic Colitis