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Microscopic Colitis

Microscopic colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel (colon) disease that causes persistent watery diarrhea. In order to identify the disorder, bowel tissue must be viewed under a microscope, as the tissue appears to be normal when examined during a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.

There are three subtypes of microscopic colitis:

  • Collagenous colitis: a layer of collagen grows in the bowel tissue
  • Lymphocytic colitis: lymphocytes (white blood cells) multiply in bowel tissue
  • Incomplete microscopic colitis: both features of collagenous and lymphocytic colitis are exhibited

Regardless of subtype, symptoms, testing and treatment remain the same.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms include:

  • Chronic watery diarrhea
  • Cramps, bloating or abdominal pain
  • Nausea
  • Weight loss
  • Dehydration
  • Fecal incontinence

Symptoms may come and go, and periodically resolve on their own.

Should You See a Doctor?

If symptoms last more than a few days, particularly watery diarrhea, contact your doctor so they can assess and, if needed, treat your condition.

Causes

It’s unclear what causes bowel inflammation. Possibilities include:

  • Autoimmune diseases, such as celiac disease and rheumatoid arthritis, which attack the body’s healthy tissues
  • Viruses that produce inflammation
  • Bacteria that generate inflammation in the colon’s lining
  • Medications that irritate the colon lining
ACL Repair Achalasia Arthritis Barrett's Esophagus Bloody Stool Bursitis Pain Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Cataracts Colon & Colorectal Cancer Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia) Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis Esophageal Cancer Fecal Incontinence Gallstones Gastrointestinal and Gastroenterologist Hammer Toes Heartburn, Acid Reflux & GERD Heel Spurs (Plantar Fasciitis) Helicobacter Pylori (Stomach Infection) Hernias Indigestion Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Joint Pain Liver Disease Microscopic Colitis Orthopedic Injuries Osteoporosis Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) Pterygium Rectal Bleeding Reflux Esophagitis Rotator Cuff Repair Silent Reflux (Laryngopharyngeal Reflux) Stomach Problems and Swallowing Problems Stomach Ulcers Strictures Ulcerative Colitis
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South Arkansas Surgery Center
2704 Vine Street,
El Dorado, AR 71730

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