Microscopic Colitis is the term given to an inflammation of the colon, which causes regular and persistent diarrhea. This uncomfortable disease comes in two forms; Collagenous colitis, where a thick layer of a substance called collagen grows within the colon tissue, preventing absorption of water and essential nutrients. The other form, called Lymphocytic Colitis, arises when white blood cells concentrate in the colon tissue, causing the same effect.
Not very much is known about whether the two conditions are related or if they are two parts of the same disease. They are though, same in treatment and testing. Microscopic Colitis is a condition which can surface and disappear frequently. Though it is not very dangerous, it can be very uncomfortable and inconvenient, making it a bad disease for busy people. Sometimes, the disease resolves itself on its own, but if symptoms persist for long periods of time, it is important for Dallas and Fort Worth residents to visit Arlington Gastroenterology Services to get prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms unfortunately coincide with many other Gastroenterological diseases, which make it difficult to diagnose. Symptoms include:
- Chronic and watery diarrhea
- Fecal incontinence
- Nausea
- Pain and cramping in the abdominal area
- Severe Weight loss
While watery diarrhea is something that can occur commonly, if diarrhea persists for more than three or four days, you should contact your doctor so you can be properly diagnosed and treated.
Microscopic Colitis can be caused by something like unhygienic food. There are some known triggers for the disease which range from Bacterial infections and viruses to problems in the immune system to some medications which trigger the reaction. People with preexisting issues like celiac disease and rheumatoid arthritis can cause your body to attack healthy tissue.
As with all Gastroenterological diseases, a sign that points to problems is age and gender. These two are the biggest factors in determining what your issue may be. Another great problem can be your immune system, followed by the largest controllable factor, which is smoking. Smoking can cause people aged 16 to 44 to experience the same issues that 50 to 70 year old patients experience.
If you experience two or more of the above listed symptoms and have two or more of the listed conditions, you should stop eating solid food as well as write a list of your medications and key medical information then call Arlington Gastroenterology services to get diagnosis and treatment for your condition.
