Description
Inflammation of the colon; common causes including infection, low blood flow (ischemia), or inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis). Colitis may be of unknown cause.
Symptoms
Diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, blood in stools, weight loss, fever.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Stool studies will be done to identify triggers for colitis such as bacteria, parasites or clostridium difficile toxin. A colon biopsy may be done to rule out inflammatory bowel disease or ischemic colitis.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan
Other Specific Tests: Colonoscopy, stool cultures, stool for clostridium dificile, colon biopsy
Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Colon and Rectal Surgery
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Stool studies will be done to identify triggers for colitis such as bacteria, parasites or clostridium difficile toxin. A colon biopsy may be done to rule out inflammatory bowel disease or ischemic colitis.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan
Other Specific Tests: Colonoscopy, stool cultures, stool for clostridium dificile, colon biopsy
Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Colon and Rectal Surgery
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause of the colitis but may include: antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, or steroids. If severe, surgical resection may be necessary.