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 Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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What medicine is used for colitis?

Colitis may involve choosing some medications that protect the intestinal mucosa and regulate the intestinal flora, along with other symptomatic treatments. If the intestinal inflammation presents as abdominal discomfort or significant illness, one might choose to use antispasmodic pain relief and antidiarrheal medications, which can generally achieve certain control. Ileitis is also relatively common clinically, with patients usually presenting with discomfort in stool or service and, after undergoing a thorough colonoscopy, inflammatory changes in the intestines are found, characterized by mucosal congestion, edema, and even scattered erosion and ulcer formation. Treatment options include oral medications, but in terms of diet, it primarily involves choosing clean, easily digestible foods and supplementing with some nutrients. Colitis generally presents with lower abdominal pain and discomfort in the lower left abdomen, typically occurring in paroxysmal attacks without specificity. (Please take medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)

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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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Is the routine blood test normal for colitis?

Patients with colitis generally have normal routine blood tests, indicating that their white blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets are generally normal. Patients with colitis commonly present clinically with abdominal discomfort and abnormal bowel movements. Abdominal discomfort typically manifests as discomfort in the lower abdomen and left side, with symptoms such as bloating, colicky pain, and dull pain, often occurring sporadically and generally related to diet and bowel movements. If abdominal pain improves after passing gas or stools, then the bowel movement abnormalities typically manifest as an increased frequency of bowel movements, generally more than 2 times. The stool texture is relatively loose, appearing mushy, and some patients may have watery stools. However, patients generally do not have bloody stools, and there are no clear changes in bowel abnormalities at night after a good sleep, so treatment is currently considered symptomatic.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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Can colitis turn into cancer?

Colitis is considered a benign lesion clinically and generally does not transform into cancer. Therefore, patients do not need to worry too much. The diagnosis of colitis mainly relies on colonoscopy. Most patients undergo colonoscopy due to abdominal discomfort or abnormal stools. The abdominal discomfort is primarily in the lower abdomen or lower left abdomen, presenting as pain and distension. Abnormal stools can clinically manifest as changes in the frequency of bowel movements, changes in stool texture to harder or thinner, and so on. Most patients do not exhibit alarming symptoms such as bloody stools, weight loss, or decreased appetite. Colonoscopy is frequently used clinically and can generally serve to differentiate between colitis and colon cancer. Most patients can tolerate a colonoscopy, so there is no need for patients to resist undergoing this examination.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Risk of cancerous transformation in ulcerative colitis

The likelihood of cancerous transformation in ulcerative colitis is not very high. Generally, patients with ulcerative colitis who have had the disease for more than a decade and have not undergone treatment might be at risk of malignancy. Active treatment and regular gastroscopic checks can prevent the development of cancer. Therapeutically, options include using mesalazine for anti-inflammatory treatment, as well as using Bacillus cereus or Bifidobacterium triplex to regulate the intestinal flora. Additionally, if a patient with ulcerative colitis experiences chills, fever, and severe purulent bloody stools, it may be necessary to consider treatment with steroids and immunosuppressants. (Please use medication under the guidance of a physician.)