Active colitis is a period of flare-up of symptoms related to colitis, causing discomforts such as abdominal bloating, pain, and changes in bowel habits. It can be caused by infection, food poisoning, or other factors. Tests and medications are used to diagnose and treat the condition.
Active colitis is a period in which a person with colitis has a flare-up of symptoms related to the condition. Individuals with colitis may experience periods where the condition goes into some sort of remission. During this time there are generally few or no symptoms. When colitis is in its active state, a person may experience a wide variety of discomforts, such as abdominal bloating, pain, and changes in bowel habits. Many people take several types of medications to treat active colitis.
Generally, colitis is defined as a type of inflammatory bowel disease. Its most distinguishing feature is the inflammation it causes within the colon or large intestine. Active colitis can be caused by an infection. The condition can also become active due to a sudden case of food poisoning. Other possible causes may include an overgrowth of various bacteria in the intestines and a disruption of normal blood flow to the colon.
There are generally several types of colitis. One type is ischemic colitis, which typically occurs due to the blood flowing to the colon being disrupted in some way. Generally, blood flow is greatly reduced. Pseudomembranous colitis is another type caused primarily by a bacterium known as Clostridium difficile. Furthermore, collagenous colitis is a characteristic type that causes an increase in collagen in the intestines and is usually only identified with the help of a microscope.
Abdominal pain, gas, distention and cramps are some of the most common symptoms of active colitis. Diarrhea is also common, and some may experience slightly bloody stools. Many people may experience a repeated urge to go to the bathroom, even if the urge doesn’t produce results. Other active symptoms may include chills, weakness, and low-grade fever. It is not unusual for a person with active colitis to become dehydrated due to frequent bouts of diarrhea.
A variety of tests can be done on the abdomen to diagnose active colitis. The most common include a plain x-ray, abdominal computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). For an elaborate view of the colon, a colonoscopy may be used. A biopsy may occasionally be done to identify microscopic inflammation in the colon, such as that commonly caused by collagenous colitis.
In case active colitis is caused by an infection, a doctor may use antibiotics to treat the infection. Anti-inflammatory drugs are also routinely used to reduce swelling in the colon. Often, corticosteroids will be incorporated into this type of treatment for colitis. Pain relievers and antidiarrheals can also be used to minimize abdominal pain and persistent diarrhea. Although not used very frequently, colitis surgery can also be done as a treatment.
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