What are the symptoms of colitis?

Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 16, 2024
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Colitis is relatively common in clinical settings, especially in the gastroenterology outpatient department, and it generally occurs in middle-aged and elderly patients. The disease typically begins with abdominal pain, diarrhea, or abnormal stools. The abdominal pain is characterized by episodic pain in the lower left or right abdomen, without persistent episodes and generally does not occur after the patient falls asleep at night. The diet is usually not related. Diarrhea manifests as watery stools or stools with a soft texture, without bloody stools. Abnormal stools are characterized by constipation, for instance, if the patient has not had a bowel movement for several days, with dry, sheep-dung-like stools that are difficult to expel. Typically, after a thorough colonoscopy, no colon tumors or polyps are found, but signs of congested and edematous colonic mucosa suggest a diagnosis of colitis. Generally, the condition isn't severe, and treatment primarily involves symptomatic management.

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Written by Feng Ying Shuai
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Can moxibustion cure colitis?

For some cases of acute colitis, particularly those caused by exposure to pathogenic cold, dampness, and wind, moxibustion is quite effective, able to immediately alleviate clinical symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea. At this time, we can choose acupoints for treating acute enteritis, such as the Liangqiu point for moxibustion, as well as other points like Yinlingquan, Zusanli, and Yanglingquan. Additionally, local points on the abdomen can also be used for moxibustion. For example, using the Tianshu point for moxibustion can warm the meridians, promote circulation, disperse cold, and relieve pain. Other points like Daheng and Qihai can also be used, and if there is qi stagnation, regulating the Sanyinjiao can help relieve symptoms of colitis.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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Ulcerative Colitis Symptom Characteristics

Ulcerative colitis is increasingly seen in clinical settings, especially among younger patients in gastroenterology. The symptoms typically include abdominal discomfort and abnormal stool, characterized by pain and distension in the lower left abdomen, and changes in bowel habits. Generally, the frequency of stool increases, often occurring more than a dozen times, at least six times or more. The stool characteristics are also indicative, generally appearing bloody and loose. Therefore, patients with ulcerative colitis need standardized diagnosis and treatment. The treatment mainly consists of two types: the first is lifestyle and dietary management; the second is medication. For diet, it is recommended that patients eat easily digestible, low-residue, high-quality protein foods to enhance nutritional support. Medicinal options may include drugs that regulate intestinal flora, protect the gastrointestinal mucosa, and others like amino salicylates. However, if complications such as gastrointestinal perforation, obstruction, or bleeding occur, surgical treatment is recommended. (Please consult a doctor for specific medication usage and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Shen Jiang Chao
Radiology
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Can colitis be detected by an ultrasound?

Colitis cannot be definitively diagnosed with an ultrasound, as ultrasound is primarily used for diagnosing solid organs such as the liver, gallbladder, spleen, kidneys, and pancreas. For hollow organs, the diagnosis is obscured by gas and food inside the intestines, making ultrasound less effective. For patients suspected of having colitis, the best examination is a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy can clearly show the extent and severity of the inflammation. CT scans also hold diagnostic value as they can reveal thickening and edema of the colonic wall. CT scans are less painful compared to colonoscopies, which can be somewhat painful.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Colitis is what disease.

Colitis is caused by various reasons, leading to inflammatory lesions in the colon. Depending on the cause, it can be divided into nonspecific inflammatory changes and specific inflammatory lesions. It can be caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites, with typical symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. Severe anemia and intestinal dysfunction may occur. Due to repeated diarrhea, an imbalance of acid-base equilibrium can happen. Patients generally see a gastroenterologist and require long-term treatment, as well as dietary adjustments.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Is the abdomen hard to the touch with colitis?

Generally speaking, the abdomen does not usually harden when touched in cases of colitis. However, if the patient experiences a hardening of the abdomen, it's important to consider the possibility of malignant tumors in the colon or an intestinal obstruction. The primary symptoms of colitis are mucous stools, pus and blood in stools, or alternating episodes of diarrhea and constipation. Diagnosis of colitis is mainly through examination with a colonoscope, which can reveal colon mucosal congestion, edema, erosion, etc. For the treatment of colitis, consideration can be given to orally administering drugs that regulate the intestinal flora, such as bacillus subtilis, compound lactobacillus, and others. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a physician.)