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Lymphocytic colitis causes inflammation of the colon, with symptoms including watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea. It is commonly associated with collagenous colitis and may be caused by autoimmune disease or bacteria and toxins in the colon. Treatment may include antidiarrheal drugs, immunosuppressants, and dietary changes. Diagnosis requires microscopic examination of colon tissue.
Lymphocytic colitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the colon. When a person has this condition, a special type of white blood cell known as lymphocytes increases in the colon. This type of colitis is commonly associated with a condition known as collagenous colitis. Both conditions are very similar, except with collagenous colitis, there is more collagen in the colon, whereas this is not seen with lymphocytic colitis. Due to their similarity in symptoms and treatment, these conditions are often assigned to a category.
The distinct cause of lymphocytic colitis remains undisclosed. Scientists know that the condition generally affects more women than men, and individuals commonly contract it later in life, typically after age 50. A probable cause of the condition is an autoimmune disease, in which the body attacks its own healthy cells. Another likely cause of inflammation can be the resulting bacteria and toxins in the colon. Often, the condition is reported more in individuals with diseases such as thyroid disorders, celiac disease, and diabetes mellitus.
Usually the most pronounced symptom of lymphocytic colitis is watery diarrhea. This is commonly a long-lasting symptom. There may also be incontinence related to the diarrhea. Other symptoms can include nausea, abdominal cramps, and often pain. Some individuals can easily become dehydrated and experience bloating or abdominal distension.
This type of colitis is also referred to as microscopic colitis because it can only be distinctly identified under microscopic examination. The form of inflammation caused by lymphocytic colitis may not be detected using the standard types of tests used to examine the colon. Doctors typically begin their analysis by performing one or more of these tests. In most cases, a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy is performed. A flexible sigmoidoscopy is often used to examine the lower colon, while a colonoscopy can detail the entire colon.
To obtain microscopic examination of the colon, a biopsy is usually performed. Doctors will perform a biopsy to collect a tiny sample of colon tissue. The sample will be analyzed closely with a microscope. An elevated presence of lymphocytes in the colon will generally confirm the presence of the condition.
Treatment for lymphocytic colitis can vary. For some patients, antidiarrheal drugs may be given as treatment. The advantage of this treatment is to eliminate chronic watery diarrhea for a while. If your doctor thinks the inflammation is caused by an autoimmune condition, immunosuppressants may be used. Some patients may also be given steroids to help with bouts of diarrhea and inflammation.
There are often things people can do on their own to help a case of lymphocytic colitis. Self-help can come a lot from making dietary changes. This may include avoiding foods that cause gastrointestinal distress. For some people, this may mean cutting out foods that contain dairy and are high in fat. In addition, eliminating foods known to cause gas, which are spicy and contain caffeine may also help.
