The colon is another term for the large intestine. It is part of the digestive tract, which consists of several organs through which food and liquid pass. In some circumstances, a person’s colon may become inflamed.
A doctor may refer to the inflammation of the colon as colitis. This may occur over the short-term or as part of a chronic condition. A person with an inflamed colon will likely have additional symptoms, such as abdominal cramping and diarrhea.
There are several different reasons why a person’s colon may become inflamed. Some of these include:
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an umbrella term for conditions that cause the digestive system to inflame. Some examples include ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition where both the colon and rectum become inflamed and develop ulcers. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) state there several possible causes of ulcerative colitis:
Autoimmune disorder: Certain bacteria or viruses may cause the immune system to mistakenly attack the colon, which causes inflammation. Genes: Sometimes, the condition may run in families, which suggests it may be due to a defective gene. However, more research is needed to explore whether genes play a part in causing ulcerative colitis.
Environment: Certain factors, such as consuming a high-fat diet, taking antibiotics, or oral contraceptives, may increase a person’s chances of developing ulcerative colitis. Similar to ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease can also affect the colon. However, it may also affect other parts of the digestive tract.
Currently, the causes of Crohn’s disease are unknown. However, factors, such as stress and a person’s diet, may cause flare-ups. Microscopic colitis is another cause of colon inflammation. To identify this condition, a healthcare provider must examine the colon tissue under a microscope. There are two types of microscopic colitis: lymphocytic and collagenous colitis. The symptoms and treatments of both types are the same. Some doctors suggest they may be different phases of the same condition, rather than separate diseases.
Colon inflammation could also arise from infection from certain bacteria such as campylobacter, Escherichia coli (E.coli), or salmonella. A person may contract an infection in the following circumstances: Contaminated water: If a person drinks contaminated water or swims in contaminated lakes or rivers.
Foodborne illnesses: A person may develop an infection if they eat raw or undercooked foods. In more severe cases, a person may experience: weight loss, dehydration and diarrhea with blood. Treatments for the inflamed colon depend on the cause.
If a person wishes to try home remedies for colitis, they may consider: Supplements: Vitamin D helps control inflammation.
