Colitis
Colitis is an inflammatory condition of the colon in the digestive system, of uncertain origin, and often chronic. It may result from a nervous predisposition which leads to bacterial or viral infection. The inflammation can cause spasms that damage the colon, or can lead to bleeding ulcers that may be fatal.
Colitis is one of a group conditions which are inflammatory and auto-immune, affecting the tissue that lines the gastrointestinal system (the large and small intestine). It is classed as an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), not to be confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is specifically a disease in the large intestine or colon that includes characteristic ulcers, or open sores, in the colon.
The colon is responsible for collecting and storing the waste products of digestion. It is a long muscular tube that pushes undigested food towards the anus for eventual elimination as a bowel movement. As the liquid mixture of undigested food makes its journey, it mixes with mucus and normal bacteria residing in the colon. As well, water is reabsorbed into the bloodstream, and the feces start to solidify.
The colon is located in the abdominal cavity and is divided into following parts: cecum, ascending colon, transverse, descending colon, sigmoid, rectum, and the anus. The right colon includes the cecum and ascending colon. The left colon includes the transverse segment to the sigmoid.
The wall of the colon has numerous layers. There is a smooth muscle layer that wraps the outside and is responsible for squeezing the undigested food through the length of the colon. The inner layers, or mucosa, come into contact with the fluid and allow water and electrolyte absorption to help solidify the feces. The mucosal layer is where the colon inflammation occurs and is responsible for the symptoms of colitis.
As with any other organ, the colon has a blood supply with arteries delivering oxygen rich blood and nutrients to it, and veins that drain carbon dioxide and lactic acid from it.
In milder forms, colitis first appears with diarrhea in which red bloody streaks can be observed. The symptoms may come and go for weeks before the effects become very significant. As the disease process advances, the diarrhea episodes become more frequent; more blood and mucus are present in the feces. These are combined with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Because of the loss of blood, the patient often becomes anemic and thin. If there are ulcer craters in the mucosa, the disease is called ulcerative colitis.
Hospitalization is necessary in order to provide proper treatment that will have a long-term effect. Surgery is sometimes necessary if an acute attack has been complicated by perforation of the intestines or if chronic colitis fails to respond to medical management.
Non-operative treatment includes control of diarrhea and vomiting by drug therapy. Antibiotics are given to control infection and reduce fever, which always accompanies infection. A high protein and vitamin diet is necessary. But if the diarrhea and vomiting persist, intravenous feeding becomes a must. Blood transfusions may be required for individuals who have had severe rectal bleeding. Because there is no absolute cure, the disease may recur.
-- VDoctor
Colitis Recommended Resources:
University of Maryland Medical Center
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