Colitis in Little Rock, AR
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Find a ProviderWhat is colitis?
Colitis is a condition that is defined as the overall inflammation of the mucosal lining of the large bowel. Even though ulcerative colitis is sometimes referred to as colitis, they are not the same thing. There are multiple types of this GI condition that may lead to swelling in the digestive tract, in addition to other symptoms. Some frequent forms of colitis include:
- Ulcerative colitis (IBD colitis): Causes irritation and inflammation of the digestive tract
- Infectious colitis (food poisoning): Caused by consumption of contaminated drinks or food
- Ischemic (ischaemic) colitis: An outcome of inadequate blood supply
- Microscopic colitis: Results in frequent loose diarrhea
The experienced specialists at GastroArkansas can treat all forms of colitis and other GI ailments. If you want to locate therapy for colitis in Little Rock, AR or to explore your treatment choices, we encourage you to request a consultation at a location near you now.
What causes colitis?
There are several reasons why the inner lining of the colon can become swollen. Some of the most common causes include:
- Particular drugstore and prescription medicines (typical medications bringing on colitis include NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and mycophenolate
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Attack of the colon wall with collagen or lymphocytes
- Allergies
- Reduction of blood supply to the intestine (ischemia)
- Infection (from parasites in the body)
- Crohn’s disease
Whatever the reason for your colitis, you can consult with a provider at GastroArkansas who is ready to provide a solution.
What are the symptoms of colitis?
Signs of possible colitis are:
- Tiredness
- Feeling depressed
- Sores in the mouth
- Unusual bowel habits (including the persistent need to have a bowel movement)
- Cramps
- Watery, loose stool (with or without blood in bowel movement)
- Fever and/or chilling (signs of infection)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Sores on the intestinal tract
- Swelling or redness of the eyes
- Tenderness in the abdomen
- Discomfort in/of the joints or abdomen (colon) that may occur in recurring patterns or be constant
- Bloody stools
If you are displaying any combination of the above issues consistently, don't hesitate to reach out to us and get help from our team of Little Rock, AR gastrointestinal providers.
What are the treatment options for colitis?
Common treatments across all forms of colitis could consist of:
- Administering fluids to the body (by mouth or with an IV)
- Popular inflammatory bowel disease medicines
- Improving vital signs
- Altering your diet
- Pain-relieving drugs
Depending on the cause of the colitis, the course of treatment might differ.
- Microscopic colitis: In certain cases, an individual's body is capable of healing by itself. It may alternatively be addressed with anti-diarrheal drugs and some corticosteroids, changes to diet, and rarely, surgical procedures.
- Infections: When bacteria is the cause of the infection, then antibiotics might be the right course of treatment. When the problem is viral, then hydrating the body and allowing time to pass is normally the recommended treatment method.
- Ischemic colitis: The normal intervention for ischemic colitis is to rehydrate the body using intravenous solutions and allow the intestines to heal. If blood circulation is not improved in the colon, then a surgical procedure might be performed to remove those portions of the large intestine that suffered the loss of blood supply.
- IBD: When the source of the inflammation is due to ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, then anti-inflammatory medicines could be used at first and medications that suppress the immune system can be added if needed. Surgery might be necessary based on the severity of the colitis.
When should I find a specialist about colitis?
It is recommended that you visit a provider if you have diarrhea that lasts for two weeks or longer, blood in your stool, dehydration or fever, or concerning abdominal pain that gets progressively worse. When you are seeking a specialist to help treat or manage colitis, then you can request a consultation with a skilled digestive health specialist at a GastroArkansas location in your community to get the care and attention you require.
Specialized care for colitis
Always on the cutting edge of current and growing treatments for colitis and numerous additional GI diseases, the GastroArkansas specialists provide thorough treatment that allows patients to obtain an improved quality of life. To receive individualized colitis treatment in Little Rock, AR we encourage you to request a consultation with one of our skilled GI teams near you.
Colitis FAQs
What is the difference between colitis and ulcerative colitis?
Colitis and ulcerative colitis (UC) may sound similar, but there's a key difference in their root causes. Colitis is a broad term for inflammation of the colon, triggered by various factors like infections, medication side effects, or allergies. Symptoms typically involve abdominal pain and diarrhea. In contrast, UC is a specific type of colitis categorized as an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It's characterized by chronic inflammation and ulcers forming in the inner lining of the colon and rectum, often leading to more severe symptoms.
What diet should I maintain when having colitis?
Dietary adjustments are essential for managing colitis symptoms and promoting healing. A low-residue diet can be very helpful. This approach reduces fiber intake to decrease stool volume and frequency, easing intestinal discomfort. Additionally, incorporating an anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, lean proteins, and fruits and vegetables can help dampen inflammation. An elimination diet can be a valuable tool. This involves systematically removing common triggers like gluten, dairy, and processed foods, then gradually reintroducing them to identify specific sensitivities that may be worsening your condition. We will work with you to develop a personalized dietary plan that alleviates symptoms, ensures proper nutrition, and supports your overall digestive health.
What complications could arise if colitis is left untreated?
Leaving colitis untreated can lead to serious complications. One major concern is colon perforation, a life-threatening condition where a hole develops in the colon wall. Another potential complication is toxic megacolon, which involves rapid swelling of the colon with the risk of rupture. Chronic inflammation from untreated colitis also increases the risk of colon cancer. Additionally, there's a heightened chance of developing other inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or skin disorders. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent these potentially devastating health consequences.
Reviews
I had a very good experience with Dr Robertson and his staff. He is very thorough and helpful.
This was my first appointment with Dr. Pennington. He was kind and welcoming. He listened to me express my concerns dealing with ulcerative colitis. He was informative and gave great options to help control my condition. I would definitely recommend him to anyone looking for a great gastroenterologist.
I had the absolute best experience. I had been sick with colitis for a week, so I was feeling hopeless by the time I went in. Matt Taylor was amazing. He explained everything thoroughly to me and eased my mind on my condition and recovery time. He made me feel comfortable and took his time, not rushing through the appointment.
Overall good experience
Dr. Nutt and all of her staff were amazing. I would definitely recommend her.
1922
Total Reviews
4.9
Average Rating