Colitis in Washington
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Find a ProviderWhat is colitis?
Colitis is the overall swelling of the mucosal lining of the intestinal tract. Even though ulcerative colitis is occasionally known as colitis, they are two different conditions. Multiple forms of colitis can result in large intestine inflammation and other unique symptoms. Some common forms of colitis include:
- Infectious colitis (food poisoning): Due to the ingestion of viruses and bacteria
- Microscopic colitis: Results in persistent loose diarrhea
- Ischemic (ischaemic) colitis: A consequence of insufficient blood supply
- IBD colitis (ulcerative colitis): Results in irritation and swelling of the intestinal tract
The expert providers at Washington Gastroenterology are equipped to address many forms of colitis and additional gastrointestinal ailments. To receive treatment for colitis in Washington or to discuss available therapy choices, we encourage you to request a consultation at a nearby practice today.
What causes colitis?
There are numerous explanations for why the innermost layer of the large bowel can become swollen. Several of the most frequent causes include:
- Infection (related to parasites in the body)
- Attack of the intestinal wall with collagen or lymphocytes
- Certain drugstore and prescription medicines (common medicines resulting in colitis include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and mycophenolate)
- Allergic reactions
- IBD (inflammatory bowel disease)
- Reduction of blood supply to the large bowel (ischemia)
- Crohn’s disease
Regardless of the reason for your colitis, you will be able to talk to a specialist at Washington Gastroenterology who can treat your condition.
What are the signs of colitis?
Possible symptoms of colitis include:
- Bloody stools
- Ulcers on the large bowel
- Out-of-the-ordinary bowel habits (including the persistent need to have a bowel movement)
- Fatigue
- Cramping
- Discomfort in/of the joints or abdomen (colon), which could arise periodically or be constant
- Rapid weight loss
- Loose, watery stool (with or without the presence of blood in bowel movement)
- Mouth sores
- Feeling depressed
- Swelling or redness of the eyes
- Tenderness in the abdomen
- Fever and/or chills (indicators of infection)
If you are having any of the listed problems consistently, we encourage you to reach out to us and receive care from our team of Washington gastrointestinal specialists.
What are some treatments for colitis?
Common interventions used for various forms of colitis could involve:
- Pain-relieving medications
- Popular IBD medications
- Changing your diet
- Hydrating the body (by mouth or with an IV)
- Normalizing vital signs
Depending on the cause of the colitis, treatment options can vary.
- Microscopic colitis: In specific instances, a person's body can heal independently. It could also be treated with anti-diarrheal medication, particular corticosteroid drugs, diet changes, and surgery in rare cases.
- Infections: If bacteria is the cause of infection, then antibiotics can be the best course of treatment. If the problem results from a virus, staying hydrated and allowing time to pass would be the best way to improve the colitis.
- Inflammatory bowel disease: When the inflammation source comes from ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, anti-inflammatory drugs might be provided first, and medications that suppress the immune system might be added if necessary. Surgery could be required depending on the stage of the colitis.
- Ischemic colitis: The primary therapy for ischemic colitis is to rehydrate your body using IV therapy and consume a clear liquid diet. If blood flow is not restored to the colon, a surgical procedure may be needed to remove the sections of the large bowel that lost blood circulation.
When should I seek help for colitis?
You should consult a GI specialist if you suffer from diarrhea that continues for more than 14 days, notice blood in your stool, experience dehydration or fever, or have unusual stomach discomfort that worsens over time. If you are searching for a provider to help improve or address colitis, you can visit a board-certified digestive health specialist by contacting your local Washington Gastroenterology.
Get the help you need for colitis
Always at the forefront of current and upcoming therapies for colitis and numerous other GI conditions, the Washington Gastroenterology providers offer comprehensive care that allows individuals to obtain a better quality of life. To receive specialized colitis treatment in Washington, we welcome you to request a consultation with one of our nearby gastroenterology offices in your community.
Colitis FAQs
What is the difference between colitis and ulcerative colitis?
Colitis refers to inflammation of the colon, which can be caused by infections, ischemia (reduced blood flow), reactions to medications, or allergies, often resulting in symptoms like abdominal pain and diarrhea. Ulcerative colitis, however, is a more specific condition classified as an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It involves chronic inflammation and ulcer formation on the colon and rectum's inner lining, typically presenting with more intense and persistent symptoms.
What diet should I follow if I have colitis?
Managing colitis effectively often involves dietary adjustments to reduce intestinal irritation and promote recovery. Adopting a low-residue diet to decrease fiber intake can help reduce bowel movement frequency and volume. An anti-inflammatory diet that includes omega-3 fatty acids, lean proteins, and a variety of fruits and vegetables may also help to lower inflammation. Additionally, implementing an elimination diet to cut out and then gradually reintroduce potential trigger foods like gluten, dairy, and processed items can aid in pinpointing specific food sensitivities. Our goal is to tailor a diet plan that alleviates symptoms, ensures nutritional wellness, and supports your digestive health.
What are the potential complications of untreated colitis?
If colitis is not adequately treated, it can lead to several serious health issues. One of the most severe complications is colon perforation, a life-threatening situation where a hole develops in the colon wall. There's also the risk of toxic megacolon, where the colon rapidly enlarges and may rupture. Chronic inflammation associated with untreated colitis can increase the risk of colon cancer and may also predispose patients to other inflammatory conditions like arthritis and skin disorders. Prompt and effective treatment is essential to avoid these critical health complications.
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Great place! Awesome staff!
First virtual visit so far. Very thorough & expressed a desire to help me with my current needs. Looking forwards to having him as my GI doctor.
I have known Dr. Wholman since 1987 when I was just 17 years old. That’s when my Ulcerative Colitis first appeared. He has always been attentive to my concern over the 35 years he has been treating me & I will go to no one else until he finally retires, which I hope is a long time from now!!!
Everything went great with very professional staff that were timely and always informative.
I am deeply thankful for Dr. Sang Kim and the team at the Bellevue location. I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2019 and had three colonoscopies with Dr. Kim. I heard of cases where patients experienced side effects after a colonoscopy, but I did not experience any side effects and the tests were always accurate. Furthermore, during the follow-ups, Dr. Kim always had thorough explanations about the prescribed medications and carefully reviewed the progress of my GI health over the years.
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