Colitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Colitis is an inflammation of the colon. Symptoms and treatment are dependent upon the causes and type of colitis.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of colitis may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloody bowel movements, constant urges for bowel movements, fever and chills.

Self Care

• A mild case of colitis can be treated at home with clear fluids for a period of 24 hours, bed rest and Tylenol for pain.

Treatment of Infection

• In cases where infection develops, depending upon the type of infection--viral or bacterial, as with Clostridium difficile--medical treatment may include an antibiotic regimen.

Medication

• More severe cases of colitis, such as ulcerative colitis, will require medication to reduce inflammation. Faithful adherence to a medication regimen will control and prevent symptoms from reoccurring.

Surgery

• Cases of colitis that have progressed to more severe forms of the disease will require surgical intervention to remove the affected area of the colon or the entire colon.