Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is microscopic colitis?
- How common is microscopic colitis?
- Signs & symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of microscopic colitis?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- What causes microscopic colitis?
- Risk factors
- What increases my risk of microscopic colitis?
- Drugs & Medicines
- What are the treatment options for microscopic colitis?
- What are the usual tests for microscopic colitis?
- Home remedies
- What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies for microscopic colitis?
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Definition
What is microscopic colitis?
Microscopic colitis is inflammation of the large intestine (colon) that causes prolonged diarrhea.
There are two types of microscopic colitis, namely:
- Collagenous collitis, when a thick layer of protein (collagen) develops in the intestinal tissue.
- Limpocytic colitis, when the number of white blood cells (lymphocytes) increases in intestinal tissue.
How common is microscopic colitis?
Microscopic colitis is one of the common diseases. Women are more prone to developing collagen collitis. While lymphocytic colitis can occur in both men and women.
A person with this disease is usually first diagnosed in their 50s or 60s. You can prevent this disease by reducing your risk factors. Please discuss with your doctor for more information.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of microscopic colitis?
The main symptom that arises from microscopic colitis is chronic watery diarrhea that does not bleed. This often happens suddenly. Diarrhea may be continuous or come and go.
Other symptoms of microscopic colitis are:
- Pain, cramps, bloating or in the stomach
- Nausea and vomiting
- Difficulty controlling bowel movements (fecal incontinence) that causes dehydration
There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have diarrhea that lasts more than a few days, contact your doctor so that your condition can be diagnosed and treated properly. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.
Cause
What causes microscopic colitis?
The cause of inflammation of the intestine found in microscopic colitis is not clear. However, researchers believe that this condition can be caused by:
- Take medications that can irritate the lining of the large intestine
- Bacteria that produce toxins that irritate the lining of the large intestine
- Viruses that trigger inflammation
- Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatism or celiac disease, which occur when your immune system attacks healthy tissue
- Bile acids are not digested properly and irritate the large intestine
Risk factors
What increases my risk of microscopic colitis?
Certain factors that increase your risk of developing microscopic colitis are:
- Age and gender. Microscopic colitis is most common in people ages 50 to 70 and is more common in women than in men.
- Autoimmune disease. People with microscopic colitis sometimes also have autoimmune disorders such as Celiac disease, thyroid disease, or rheumatism.
- Smoke. Recent studies have shown a link between smoking and microscopic colitis, especially in people aged 16-44 years.
- Genetic. Scientists suspect there is a link between this disease with family history with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Several research studies have shown that using certain drugs can increase the risk of microscopic intestinal inflammation. However, not all experts agree. Medications that may trigger microscopic colitis are:
- Aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others)
- Proton pump inhibitors, including lansoprazole
- Acarbose (Precose)
- Flutamide
- Ranitidine (Zantac)
- Selective serotonin inhibitors, such as sertraline (Zoloft)
- Carbamazepine
Drugs & Medicines
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What are the treatment options for microscopic colitis?
The main way to treat microscopic colitis is to treat diarrhea. This can be done by avoiding eating fatty foods, containing caffeine, and dairy products. Increase your fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
If these lifestyle changes are not enough, drugs can be used. Medications such as bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol), loperamide (Imodium), or diphenoxylate and the combination atropine (Lomotil) can help relieve diarrhea. Collecting substances such as (psyllium, methylcellulose) can also help. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as mesalamine, sulfasalazine, and steroids, including budesonide, can reduce inflammation.
What are the usual tests for microscopic colitis?
Doctors can suspect microscopic diarrhea based on a medical history and physical examination. In addition, other tests that can be done to diagnose microscopic colitis are:
- Stool test or blood test
- Endoscopic biopsy
- Inner sigmoidoscopy
Home remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies for microscopic colitis?
Some of the lifestyle changes and home remedies that can help you deal with microscopic colitis are:
- Avoid eating foods such as fat, caffeine, and lactose (milk sugar found in dairy products). Avoid spicy foods and alcohol. Stay away from foods that cause gas and diarrhea: carbonated drinks, raw fruits, and vegetables such as beans, cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage.
- Talk with your doctor about using pain relievers other than NSAIDs, because NSAIDs can make diarrhea worse.
- Ask your doctor if you should drink oral rehydration fluids (ORS). Severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration. ORS contains the right water, salt, and sugar to replace body fluids.
- Switch to gluten-free foods. Microscopic colitis can be relieved by this diet.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
