Colitis is an inflammation of the large intestine that can be caused by many different disease processes. These processes include acute and chronic infections, inflammatory disorders (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's colitis, lymphocytic and collagenous colitis), lack of blood flow (ischemic colitis), and history of radiation to the large bowel.

Colitis is an inflammation on the surface of the large intestine which often results to ulcer-formation. The inflammation stimulates the large intestine to empty itself continuously which results to the most common symptom of the disease.

Colitis is often hard to diagnose because its symptoms can mimic those of other diseases like irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease. The most common manifestations of colitis are frequent loose bowel movement which may be bloody in some cases and may contain mucous, a frequent urge to defecate as well as bowel incontinence, abdominal cramps, fever, weakness, loss of appetite and weight loss.

In severe cases which are left untreated complications may result. These may include:

Bleeding
Intestine perforation
Toxic megacolon, which is a very serious complication that is a result of the inflammation reaching the entire intestinal wall, resulting to the cessation of normal intestinal movement. This leads to an expansion of the colon
Malnutrition
Abnormal narrowing of the intestine
Obstruction of the intestine
Eye problems
Osteoporosis which can lead to bone and joint problems
Skin rashes
Liver and kidney problems

Symptoms may be relieved by the administration of anti-inflammatory drugs, antibacterial drugs as well as steroids. In severe cases surgery may be needed. However, with the right medications and diet, these symptoms are often reduced and patients are able to live functional and productive lives.

Understanding Colitis Symptoms Recommended Resources:

University of Maryland Medical Center

Cedars-Sinai