Kolit

Kolit, or colitis, is inflammation of the lining of the colon. Symptoms commonly include abdominal pain, diarrhea, urgency, and sometimes blood in the stool. The condition has many causes and can range from mild to severe.

Major forms include ulcerative colitis and Crohn's colitis (both inflammatory bowel diseases), infectious colitis caused by pathogens, ischemic colitis from reduced blood flow, microscopic colitis, and drug-induced or radiation-associated colitis.

Ulcerative colitis causes continuous inflammation that begins at the rectum and extends through part or all of the colon. Crohn's colitis can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract and often shows patchy inflammation. Infectious colitis is typically tied to an infection and may be self-limiting. Ischemic colitis is more common in older adults and results from reduced blood supply. Microscopic colitis presents with chronic watery diarrhea but may look normal on endoscopy. Other forms arise from medications or radiotherapy.

Diagnosis relies on a combination of patient history, physical examination, stool tests to rule out infection, blood tests, imaging if needed, and endoscopic evaluation with biopsies to determine type and extent of inflammation.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. General measures include hydration and electrolyte management. Inflammatory forms may use aminosalicylates, corticosteroids for flares, and immunomodulators or biologics for long-term control. Infectious colitis requires appropriate antimicrobial therapy or supportive care; ischemic colitis often improves with supportive treatment; microscopic colitis may respond to budesonide. Surgical options may be necessary for severe ulcerative colitis or complicated Crohn's colitis.

Prognosis varies by type and severity. Long-standing ulcerative colitis carries an increased risk of colorectal cancer, warranting regular surveillance.