Definition
Colitis is swelling (inflammation) of the large intestine (colon).
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Colitis can have many different causes, including:
- Acute and chronic infections, including food poisoning
- Inflammatory disorders (ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s colitis, lymphocytic and collagenous colitis)
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Lack of blood flow (ischemic colitis)
- Past radiation to the large bowel
For more information about a specific type of colitis see:
- CMV colitis (a viral infection of the colon)
- Crohn’s disease (regional enteritis)
- Cryptosporidium enterocolitis
- Ischemic colitis
- Necrotizing enterocolitis
- Pseudomembranous colitis
- Ulcerative colitis
Pictures & Images
Ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis is categorized according to location:
- Proctitis involves only the rectum
- Proctosigmoiditis affects the rectum and sigmoid colon
- Left-sided colitis encompasses the entire left side of the large intestine
- Pancolitis inflames the entire colon
Large intestine
The large intestine (colon) absorbs most of the fluid from foods.
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Colitis : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Colitis : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Colitis : Treatment
Review Date : 10/13/2009
Reviewed By : George F Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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