Colitis
Colitis is a chronic digestive disease characterized by inflammation of the colon.
It is one of a group of 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).
General signs and symptoms of colitis include intense pain, tenderness in the abdomen, depression, rapid weight loss, aches and pains within the joints, fatigue, changes in bowel habits (increased frequency), fever; swelling of the colon tissue, erythema (redness) of the surface of the colon, ulcers on the colon (in ulcerative colitis) which can bleed, mucus in the stool, blood in stool and rectal bleeding. Diarrhea may occur, although some forms of colitis are constipation so the stool and bowel movements can appear normal.
Other symptoms may include: gas, bloating, indigestion, heartburn, reflux, cramps, urgency and many other uncomfortable aches in the gastrointestinal system.
The 'Health Detective' Screening System can help identify foods and other factors which may be causing the problem. As it is a chronic condition the objective is management. See Case History.
