BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuColitisColitis is swelling (inflammation) of the large intestine (colon). Causes Most of the time, the cause of colitis is not known.Causes of colitis include:Infections caused by a virus or a parasite Food poisoning due to bacteria Food poisoningFood poisoning occurs when you swallow food or water that contains bacteria, parasites, viruses, or the toxins made by these germs. Most cases are c...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Crohn disease Crohn diseaseCrohn disease is a disease where parts of the digestive tract become inflamed. It most often involves the lower end of the small intestine and the be...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Ulcerative colitis Ulcerative colitisUlcerative colitis is a condition in which the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum become inflamed. It is a form of inflammatory bowel ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lack of blood flow to the colon (ischemic colitis) Past radiation to the colon (radiation colitis and strictures) Necrotizing enterocolitis in newborns Necrotizing enterocolitisNecrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the death of tissue in the intestine. It occurs most often in premature or sick babies.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pseudomembranous colitis caused by Clostridium difficile infection (now called Clostridiodes difficile)Pseudomembranous colitisPseudomembranous colitis refers to swelling or inflammation of the large intestine (colon) due to an overgrowth of Clostridioides difficile (C diffic...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Symptoms Symptoms can include:Abdominal pain and bloating that may be constant or come and go Abdominal painAbdominal pain is pain that you feel anywhere between your chest and groin. This is often referred to as the stomach region or belly.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article BloatingAbdominal bloating is a condition in which the belly (abdomen) feels full and tight. Your belly may look swollen (distended).Read Article Now Book Mark Article Bloody stools Bloody stoolsBlack or tarry stools with a foul smell are a sign of a problem in the upper digestive tract. It most often indicates that there is bleeding in the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Constant urge to have a bowel movement (tenesmus) Dehydration DehydrationDehydration occurs when your body does not have as much water and fluids as it needs. Dehydration can be mild, moderate, or severe, based on how much...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Diarrhea DiarrheaDiarrhea is when you pass loose or watery stool.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fever Exams and Tests The health care provider will perform a physical exam. You will also be asked questions about your symptoms, such as: How long have you had the symptoms? How severe is your pain? How often do you have pain and how long does it last? How often do you have diarrhea? Have you traveled recently? Have you taken antibiotics recently? Your provider may recommend a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. During this test, a flexible tube is inserted through your rectum to examine your colon. You may have biopsies taken during this exam. Biopsies may show changes related to inflammation. This can help determine the cause of colitis.SigmoidoscopySigmoidoscopy is a procedure used to see inside the sigmoid colon and rectum. The sigmoid colon is the area of the large intestine nearest to the re...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article ColonoscopyA colonoscopy is an exam that views the inside of the colon (large intestine) and rectum, using a tool called a colonoscope. The colonoscope has a sm...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Other studies that can identify colitis include:CT scan of the abdomen CT scan of the abdomenAn abdominal CT scan is an imaging method. This test uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the belly area. CT stands for computed tomog...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article MRI of the abdomen MRI of the abdomenAn abdominal magnetic resonance imaging scan is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves. The waves create pictures of the inside ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Barium enema Barium enemaBarium enema is a special x-ray of the large intestine, which includes the colon and rectum.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Stool culture Stool cultureA fecal culture is a lab test to find organisms in the stool (feces) that can cause gastrointestinal symptoms and disease.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Stool examination for ova and parasitesStool examination for ova and parasitesStool ova and parasites exam is a lab test to look for parasites or eggs (ova) in a stool sample. The parasites are associated with intestinal infec...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment Your treatment will depend on the cause of the disease. Outlook (Prognosis) The outlook depends on the cause of the problem.Crohn disease is a chronic condition which has no cure but can be controlled. Biologic agents are very effective in controlling symptoms of Crohn colitis. Ulcerative colitis can usually be controlled with medicines. If not controlled, it can be cured by surgically removing the colon. Viral, bacterial, and parasitic colitis can be cured with appropriate medicines. Pseudomembranous colitis can usually be cured with appropriate antibiotics. Possible Complications Complications may include:Bleeding with bowel movements Perforation of the colon Toxic megacolon Toxic megacolonToxic megacolon occurs when swelling and inflammation spread into the deeper layers of your colon. As a result, the colon stops working and widens. ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sore (ulceration) When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you have symptoms such as:Abdominal pain that does not get better Blood in the stool or stools that look black Diarrhea or vomiting that does not go away Swollen abdomenOpen ReferencesReferencesAnanthakrishnan AN, Regueiro MD. Management of inflammatory bowel diseases. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 116.Lichtenstein GR. Inflammatory bowel disease. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 127.Pardi DS, Cotter TG. Other diseases of the colon. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 128.AllVideoImagesTogUlcerative colitis - illustration Ulcerative colitis is categorized according to location. Proctitis involves only the rectum. Proctosigmoiditis affects the rectum and sigmoid colon. Left-sided colitis encompasses the entire left side of the large intestine. Pancolitis inflames the entire colon.Ulcerative colitisillustrationLarge intestine (colon) - illustration The large intestine is the portion of the digestive system most responsible for absorption of water from the indigestible residue of food. The ileocecal valve of the ileum (small intestine) passes material into the large intestine at the cecum. Material passes through the ascending, transverse, descending and sigmoid portions of the colon, and finally into the rectum. From the rectum, the waste is expelled from the body.Large intestine (colon)illustrationCrohn disease - X-ray - illustration This lower abdominal X-ray shows narrowing (stenosis) of the end of the small intestine (ileum), caused by Crohn disease. Crohn disease typically affects the small intestine, whereas ulcerative colitis typically affects the large intestine. A solution containing a dye (barium), was swallowed by the patient. When it passed into the small intestines, this X-ray was taken (lower GI series).Crohn disease - X-rayillustrationInflammatory bowel disease - illustration Crohn disease, also called regional enteritis, is a chronic inflammation of the intestines which is usually confined to the terminal portion of the small intestine, the ileum. Ulcerative colitis is a similar inflammation of the colon, or large intestine. These and other IBDs (inflammatory bowel disease) have been linked with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.Inflammatory bowel diseaseillustrationUlcerative colitis - illustration Ulcerative colitis is categorized according to location. Proctitis involves only the rectum. Proctosigmoiditis affects the rectum and sigmoid colon. Left-sided colitis encompasses the entire left side of the large intestine. Pancolitis inflames the entire colon.Ulcerative colitisillustrationLarge intestine (colon) - illustration The large intestine is the portion of the digestive system most responsible for absorption of water from the indigestible residue of food. The ileocecal valve of the ileum (small intestine) passes material into the large intestine at the cecum. Material passes through the ascending, transverse, descending and sigmoid portions of the colon, and finally into the rectum. From the rectum, the waste is expelled from the body.Large intestine (colon)illustrationCrohn disease - X-ray - illustration This lower abdominal X-ray shows narrowing (stenosis) of the end of the small intestine (ileum), caused by Crohn disease. Crohn disease typically affects the small intestine, whereas ulcerative colitis typically affects the large intestine. A solution containing a dye (barium), was swallowed by the patient. When it passed into the small intestines, this X-ray was taken (lower GI series).Crohn disease - X-rayillustrationInflammatory bowel disease - illustration Crohn disease, also called regional enteritis, is a chronic inflammation of the intestines which is usually confined to the terminal portion of the small intestine, the ileum. Ulcerative colitis is a similar inflammation of the colon, or large intestine. These and other IBDs (inflammatory bowel disease) have been linked with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.Inflammatory bowel diseaseillustrationA Closer Look Ulcerative colitis - InDepth(In-Depth)Ulcerative colitis(Alt. Medicine)Related Information Pseudomembranous colitis(Condition)Crohn disease(Condition)Ulcerative colitis(Condition)Necrotizing enterocolitis(Condition)Cryptosporidium enteritis(Condition)Toxic megacolon(Condition)Crohn disease - InDepth(In-Depth)Ulcerative colitis - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 8/7/2023 Reviewed By: Michael M. Phillips, MD, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
ColitisColitis is swelling (inflammation) of the large intestine (colon). Causes Most of the time, the cause of colitis is not known.Causes of colitis include:Infections caused by a virus or a parasite Food poisoning due to bacteria Food poisoningFood poisoning occurs when you swallow food or water that contains bacteria, parasites, viruses, or the toxins made by these germs. Most cases are c...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Crohn disease Crohn diseaseCrohn disease is a disease where parts of the digestive tract become inflamed. It most often involves the lower end of the small intestine and the be...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Ulcerative colitis Ulcerative colitisUlcerative colitis is a condition in which the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum become inflamed. It is a form of inflammatory bowel ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lack of blood flow to the colon (ischemic colitis) Past radiation to the colon (radiation colitis and strictures) Necrotizing enterocolitis in newborns Necrotizing enterocolitisNecrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the death of tissue in the intestine. It occurs most often in premature or sick babies.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pseudomembranous colitis caused by Clostridium difficile infection (now called Clostridiodes difficile)Pseudomembranous colitisPseudomembranous colitis refers to swelling or inflammation of the large intestine (colon) due to an overgrowth of Clostridioides difficile (C diffic...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Symptoms Symptoms can include:Abdominal pain and bloating that may be constant or come and go Abdominal painAbdominal pain is pain that you feel anywhere between your chest and groin. This is often referred to as the stomach region or belly.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article BloatingAbdominal bloating is a condition in which the belly (abdomen) feels full and tight. Your belly may look swollen (distended).Read Article Now Book Mark Article Bloody stools Bloody stoolsBlack or tarry stools with a foul smell are a sign of a problem in the upper digestive tract. It most often indicates that there is bleeding in the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Constant urge to have a bowel movement (tenesmus) Dehydration DehydrationDehydration occurs when your body does not have as much water and fluids as it needs. Dehydration can be mild, moderate, or severe, based on how much...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Diarrhea DiarrheaDiarrhea is when you pass loose or watery stool.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fever Exams and Tests The health care provider will perform a physical exam. You will also be asked questions about your symptoms, such as: How long have you had the symptoms? How severe is your pain? How often do you have pain and how long does it last? How often do you have diarrhea? Have you traveled recently? Have you taken antibiotics recently? Your provider may recommend a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. During this test, a flexible tube is inserted through your rectum to examine your colon. You may have biopsies taken during this exam. Biopsies may show changes related to inflammation. This can help determine the cause of colitis.SigmoidoscopySigmoidoscopy is a procedure used to see inside the sigmoid colon and rectum. The sigmoid colon is the area of the large intestine nearest to the re...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article ColonoscopyA colonoscopy is an exam that views the inside of the colon (large intestine) and rectum, using a tool called a colonoscope. The colonoscope has a sm...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Other studies that can identify colitis include:CT scan of the abdomen CT scan of the abdomenAn abdominal CT scan is an imaging method. This test uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the belly area. CT stands for computed tomog...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article MRI of the abdomen MRI of the abdomenAn abdominal magnetic resonance imaging scan is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves. The waves create pictures of the inside ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Barium enema Barium enemaBarium enema is a special x-ray of the large intestine, which includes the colon and rectum.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Stool culture Stool cultureA fecal culture is a lab test to find organisms in the stool (feces) that can cause gastrointestinal symptoms and disease.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Stool examination for ova and parasitesStool examination for ova and parasitesStool ova and parasites exam is a lab test to look for parasites or eggs (ova) in a stool sample. The parasites are associated with intestinal infec...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment Your treatment will depend on the cause of the disease. Outlook (Prognosis) The outlook depends on the cause of the problem.Crohn disease is a chronic condition which has no cure but can be controlled. Biologic agents are very effective in controlling symptoms of Crohn colitis. Ulcerative colitis can usually be controlled with medicines. If not controlled, it can be cured by surgically removing the colon. Viral, bacterial, and parasitic colitis can be cured with appropriate medicines. Pseudomembranous colitis can usually be cured with appropriate antibiotics. Possible Complications Complications may include:Bleeding with bowel movements Perforation of the colon Toxic megacolon Toxic megacolonToxic megacolon occurs when swelling and inflammation spread into the deeper layers of your colon. As a result, the colon stops working and widens. ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sore (ulceration) When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you have symptoms such as:Abdominal pain that does not get better Blood in the stool or stools that look black Diarrhea or vomiting that does not go away Swollen abdomenOpen ReferencesReferencesAnanthakrishnan AN, Regueiro MD. Management of inflammatory bowel diseases. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 116.Lichtenstein GR. Inflammatory bowel disease. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 127.Pardi DS, Cotter TG. Other diseases of the colon. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 128.