Colitis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment.

1. What is colitis?

After undergoing the process of absorbing nutrients in the small intestine, the waste products, which cannot be digested, will be pushed down to the large intestine. Here, the large intestine will perform the process of absorbing water again and finally removing the remaining waste from the body. The large intestine is also known as the colon. So this is the most vulnerable part of the digestive system.

Colitis is an inflammatory condition that causes localized or diffuse lesions and develops in the lining of the colon. Depending on the severity of the injury, symptoms such as abdominal pain, weight loss, stool disorders, etc.

2. Causes of colon inflammation

There are many causes of ulcerative colitis:

Infections and poisonings:

• Infections, viruses

• Bacteria: Rectal dysentery, amoebic dysentery, tuberculosis…

• Virus: Enterovirus.

• Fungal infections: Deterioration of the body, immunity, prolonged antibiotic use..

• Natural diseases: Crohn's, ulcerative colitis

• Pseudomembranous colitis: a side effect of some antibiotics.

• Poisoning: radioactive contamination…

3. Symptoms of colitis

• Symptoms of chronic colitis: Patients often have symptoms such as persistent abdominal pain in the left half of the colon and two pelvic fossa, the pain usually decreases when having a bowel movement; Abnormal stools are mostly loose stools and are passed several times a day. However, there are also many cases of constipation, bloody or mucus stools; Fatigue, weakness, weight loss.

• Symptoms of acute colitis: The patient has cramping pain in the lower abdomen, along the colonic frame, with a feeling of bloating, abdominal distension; The most common digestive disorder is diarrhea, stools may be bloody, passing many times a day; loss of appetite, fatigue, may be accompanied by mild fever.

So who is at risk for colitis? Subjects with some of the following diseases and lifestyle habits are at risk of colitis:

• Regular use of unhygienic food: When eating unsanitary food, undercooked food or contaminated drinking water, the intestinal tract becomes infected. Bacteria such as E. coli, Rota virus, amoebic dysentery, flukes... invade the body causing inflammation and damage to the colon mucosa.

• People who are often stressed: If you are under work pressure, anxiety, prolonged stress, unhealthy diet ... you will face the risk of colitis.

• People with Crohn's disease or tuberculosis: These two conditions have a higher risk of developing colitis than others.

• Prolonged constipation: Prolonged constipation causes blood in the stool, dull pain in the abdomen, causing you to have acute colitis.

• Having intestinal disease: ischemic colon, enteritis... can increase the risk of colitis.

• Abuse of western medicine: Especially the long-term abuse of antibiotics can destroy beneficial bacteria, causing an imbalance in the digestive tract microflora, creating conditions for harmful bacteria to grow. cause damage to the colon.

• People who are poisoned: People who work and live in a contaminated environment make them more susceptible to acute colitis..

If you experience any of the above signs, make an appointment with a CarePlus doctor to receive accurate advice and information, and promptly treat the disease as soon as you experience unusual symptoms.

5. Complications: Is inflammatory bowel disease dangerous?

Inflammatory bowel disease is very dangerous in that it is diagnosed late, the possibility of definitive treatment is low, it is easy to recur and is especially at risk of development.

Studies have shown that chronic colitis increases the risk of colon cancer by 20-30% of people with colitis, especially if the disease is long-lasting.

The disease is dangerous in that the patient voluntarily buys drugs to drink, does not treat thoroughly until the disease reaches a late stage, then goes to the chronic stage when the colon is atrophied, which is difficult to treat.

Inflammatory bowel disease causes dangerous complications such as: massive bleeding, colon perforation, acute dilatation of the colon, colon cancer…

6. Methods of diagnosing colitis:

6.1 Diagnosis by tests:

• Blood tests: evaluate anemia caused by inflammation or bleeding in the colon.

• Stool sample test: This method helps to rule out inflammatory diseases caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites. The presence of white blood cells in the stool helps to diagnose the disease.

• Colonoscopy: taking tissue samples for examination as well as checking for signs of ulceration

• X-ray: examine the abdomen and nearby organs.

• CT scan: scan the pelvis and abdomen as prescribed by the doctor if complications of ulcerative colitis are suspected.

6.2 Treatment and prevention measures:

Colitis has a high risk of recurrence and complications, so when detected, it is necessary to see a doctor immediately for timely and early treatment.

Treatment with medication prescribed by a doctor. Usually anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-parasitic drugs, pain relievers, and diarrhea treatment.

When inflammation is severe, surgery should be performed to remove the inflamed part of the colon.

Establish a proper diet, ensure adequate vitamins and nutrients to reduce inflammation.

Limit raw foods or foods rich in fiber when having diarrhea. In contrast to people with constipation, you should eat more fiber to reduce fat.

It is necessary to avoid spicy, hot foods, containing stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol and dairy products, ...

Eat small meals, drink plenty of water.

Reduce pressure and stress in life as often as relaxing with gentle exercises.

Colitis is a common disease that needs to be screened early. Therefore, you and your family should be proactive in examining and treating diseases, building a healthy lifestyle and a scientific diet. Book an appointment with a CarePlus doctor to receive accurate advice, information, and timely treatment when experiencing unusual symptoms.

CarePlus International Clinic provides complete and comprehensive health care services, giving customers peace of mind for effective examination. Bringing together a team of highly qualified and experienced medical doctors, along with the infrastructure and facilities system for customers to have the most comfort when choosing to visit here.