What is colitis?
Colitis is swelling (inflammation) of the colon. The colon makes up most of the large intestine. Many conditions can cause colitis.
What are the symptoms of colitis?
Symptoms of colitis may include diarrhea that may be bloody, belly pain, or a fever.
You may also have an urgent need to move your bowels or have pain when you move your bowels. Or you may have bleeding from the rectum or weight loss.
Sometimes symptoms go away on their own. If they don't go away, or if you have bleeding or severe pain, call your doctor right away.
How is colitis diagnosed?
You may need blood tests or a stool test to find colitis. You also may need imaging tests like a CT scan. You may have a colonoscopy. In some cases, the doctor may want to test a sample of tissue from the intestine. This test is called a biopsy.
How is colitis treated?
Treatment for colitis depends on the condition that is causing it. Antibiotics may be used to treat an infection. Diet changes may help with symptoms. Other medicines can also help to relieve inflammation and treat symptoms. In some cases, surgery to remove parts of the intestine may be needed.
How can you care for yourself when you have colitis?
- Rest until you feel better.
- When you feel like eating again, start with small amounts of food.
- To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids. Choose water and other clear liquids until you feel better. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
- Be safe with medicines. Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.
Colitis: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
- You have severe belly pain.
- Your stools are maroon or very bloody.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You are dizzy or lightheaded, or feel like you may faint.
- You have trouble breathing or are breathing faster and passing only a little urine.
- You have new or worse belly pain.
- You have a new or higher fever.
- You have signs of dehydration, such as:
- Dry eyes and a dry mouth.
- Passing only a little urine.
- Feeling thirstier than usual.
- You have nausea or vomiting and can't keep fluids down.
- You cannot pass stools or gas.
- You have new or more blood in your stools or your stools are black and tarlike.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You have new or worse symptoms.
- You are losing weight.
- You do not get better as expected.
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