Colonitis Symptoms: Causes, Signs & What to Expect

Colonitis, also known as colitis, is the inflammation of the colon. The colon, or large intestine, is responsible for storing the waste that results from digestion; it also moves the waste products towards the anus, where they are eliminated through bowel movements. There are a variety of reasons why the colon can become inflamed, ranging from viral infections to salmonella poisoning. Here are some of the more common symptom of this condition.

Blood in the Stool

• The presence of blood in the stool is a fairly common symptom of colonitis.

Abdominal Pain

• A sharp stomach pain that comes and goes in waves and that results in diarrhea--only to occur again afterward--is a sure sign of colonitis.

Tenesmus

• Tenesmus is defined as the constant urge to have a bowel movement.

Fever

• As with many infections, colonitis sufferers may experience high-grade fevers and chills. These symptoms are not present in all colonitis cases and depend on the type of infection that caused the condition in the first place.

Dehydration

• Due to the malfunctioning colon and the presence of diarrhea, many colonitis sufferers may become dehydrated as well.