Colitis in Connecticut
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Find a ProviderWhat is colitis?
Colitis is a condition that refers to the general swelling of the inner lining of the large bowel. Though ulcerative colitis is often called colitis, these are, in fact, two different conditions. Multiple forms of this condition could lead to inflammation of the digestive tract, in addition to other related signs. Several forms of colitis include:
- Ulcerative colitis (IBD colitis): Causes discomfort and swelling of the digestive tract
- Ischemic (ischaemic) colitis: A result of restricted blood flow
- Microscopic colitis: Causes persistent watery diarrhea
- Infectious colitis (food poisoning): A result of ingestion of contaminated drinks or food
The experienced providers at Connecticut GI are ready to treat different forms of colitis and other gastrointestinal problems. To locate assistance for colitis in Connecticut or to learn about available therapy options, we invite you to request an appointment at one of our locations now.
What causes colitis?
There are numerous causes for why the inner layer of the large bowel might become inflamed. A few of the most typical reasons are:
- Allergic reactions
- Diminished blood supply to the intestine (ischemia)
- Invasion of the intestinal lining with protein or lymphocytes
- Infection (due to parasites in the intestines)
- Crohn’s disease
- Particular drugstore and prescription medications (typical drugs bringing on colitis are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and mycophenolate
- IBD (inflammatory bowel disease)
Whatever the reason for your colitis, you can visit a gastroenterologist at your nearest Connecticut GI location who understands how to treat your illness.
What are the signs of colitis?
Symptoms of colitis can vary in individuals. Some of the symptoms of colitis are:
- Mouth sores
- Higher than normal body temperature and/or chills (symptoms of infection)
- Cramps
- Blood in bowel movements
- Sores on the colon
- Diarrhea (with or without the presence of blood in bowel movement)
- Feeling depressed
- Abdominal tenderness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Changes in bowel habits (such as a persistent urge to eliminate waste)
- Discomfort in/of the joints or abdomen (colon) that may come in cycles or be constant
- Red, inflamed eyes
- Fatigue
When you are dealing with any of the above problems on a regular basis, we encourage you to reach out to us and seek treatment with our group of Connecticut GI specialists.
What treatments are available for colitis?
There are several types of treatments that your provider may recommend. Regular treatments that can treat all forms of colitis often involve:
- Pain-relieving drugs
- Changes to your diet
- Administering fluids to the body (by mouth or through an IV)
- Popular IBD medicines
- Improving vital signs
Depending on the reason for the colitis, treatment options can vary:
- Infections: If bacteria is the cause of infection, then antibiotics might be the right course of treatment. If the problem is viral, keeping the body hydrated and letting time pass are ideal ways to improve the colitis.
- Microscopic colitis: In certain instances, your body can heal itself. It may alternatively be addressed with anti-diarrheal medication as well as certain corticosteroids, adjustment of diet, and, less frequently, surgery.
- Ischemic colitis: The typical intervention for ischemic colitis is to rehydrate the body using IV therapy and consume a clear liquid diet. If blood circulation is not improved to the colon, a surgical procedure may be recommended to extract those portions of the large intestine that did not receive adequate blood flow.
- Inflammatory bowel disease: When the reason for the inflammation comes from ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, then NSAID drugs may be used at first, and immunosuppressant drugs might be added if needed. A surgical procedure might be required based on the severity of the colitis.
When should I visit a physician about colitis?
Don't hesitate to see a GI specialist when you suffer from diarrhea that persists for more than 14 days, bloody stools, dehydration or fever, or abnormal abdominal discomfort that worsens over time. If you are looking for a specialist to partner with you to treat or manage colitis, then you can visit an expert GI provider at a Connecticut GI location near you.
Get the treatment you need for colitis
Remaining at the forefront of the latest therapies for colitis and numerous other digestive diseases, the Connecticut GI specialists provide attentive treatment that allows people to experience an elevated quality of life. To receive specialized colitis care in Connecticut, we welcome you to request a consultation at one of our GI locations.
Colitis FAQs
What makes colitis different from ulcerative colitis?
Understanding the difference between colitis and ulcerative colitis is crucial due to their unique implications for health. Colitis generally refers to the inflammation of the colon caused by numerous factors, including infections, poor blood supply, certain medications, or allergies, manifesting in symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. In contrast, ulcerative colitis is a form of colitis classified as an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This condition is distinguished by chronic inflammation and the presence of ulcers on the inner lining of the colon and rectum, with typically more severe symptoms.
How should you eat when dealing with colitis?
Adopting a diet that minimizes intestinal distress and fosters healing is crucial to managing colitis effectively. A low-residue diet, which reduces fiber intake to lower bowel movement volume and frequency, can be beneficial. Additionally, an anti-inflammatory diet that includes omega-3 fatty acids, lean proteins, and an abundance of fruits and vegetables can help decrease inflammation. Lastly, an elimination diet, where potential irritants like gluten, dairy, and processed foods are systematically removed and then gradually reintroduced, can pinpoint specific food sensitivities. Together, we will work to find a diet that helps to alleviate symptoms, maintain nutritional balance, and enhance digestive health.
What are the risks of not treating colitis?
Untreated colitis can lead to significant complications, such as the risk of colon perforation, which is a life-threatening condition where a hole develops in the colon wall. Patients might also experience toxic megacolon, characterized by rapid swelling and possible rupture of the colon. Additionally, untreated colitis heightens the risk of colon cancer due to ongoing inflammation and increases the chance of developing other inflammatory conditions, like arthritis or skin disorders. Early diagnosis and management are vital to prevent these serious health outcomes.
Reviews
Dr. Hall was excellent in listening, explaining, and helping diagnose my colitis. Thank you and my hope is that her continued care will help resolve or at least assist me in my life and living with this issue.
Always very pleasant to talk to
My appointment was timely scheduled convenient and met with care and understanding by Dr Golioto and the staff.
I,ve always been happy with Dr. Abay. Thorough, patient, informative & caring.
He is such a great Doctor, I can trust him and he is such a great person. I'm so happy I was referred to him.
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