What is colitis? Understanding digestion in a whole new way

Are you living with ongoing stomach pain, changes in your bowel movements or that uncomfortable feeling that something just isn't right with your digestion? Millions of people experience these symptoms, and for many, the culprit is a condition called colitis.

If you've been wondering "what is colitis?" or trying to figure out why your digestive system seems to have a mind of its own lately, you're in the right place. Let's break down everything you need to know about this common digestive condition in straightforward terms.

What is colitis, really?

Simply put, colitis means inflammation of the colon (your large intestine). And just like when your throat gets inflamed during a cold, an inflamed colon becomes red, swollen and uncomfortable. This inflammation can be mild or severe, depending on the type and how long it's been going on.

There are several types of colitis, but the most common include

• Inflammatory bowel disease: This comprises of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s colitis—chronic autoimmune conditions where the body's immune system attacks the colon lining and causes persistent inflammation, leading to symptoms like bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain and urgency. These conditions are very similar but differ in the pattern and location of the inflammation.
• Infectious colitis: This is an inflammation of the colon caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites entering the digestive system. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping and diarrhea. For a majority of cases, it can be a relatively sudden onset. Fortunately, most of these resolve on their own, although some infections may be protracted and require treatment.
• Ischemic colitis: This occurs when blood flow to part of the colon is reduced or blocked, causing tissue inflammation and damage, most commonly affecting older adults with underlying cardiovascular conditions. Typically, it will present as sudden onset abdominal pain followed by bloody diarrhea. Such episodes also tend to resolve on their own a majority of the time; however, they may require evaluation to ensure it does not occur again.

Each of these types has its own pattern of behavior, but they all share one thing in common: they interfere with your quality of life.

Colitis risk factors: Who’s most likely to develop colitis?

While colitis doesn't discriminate, certain factors can increase your chances of developing this condition.

Age: Although many cases appear between the ages of 15 and 35, it can strike at any age. Certain autoimmune types also have a peak later on in life as well.

Family history is another significant factor—if colitis runs in your family, you might want to pay extra attention to your digestive health.

Lifestyle factors: Chronic stress, smoking and certain medications (particularly NSAIDs like ibuprofen) can increase your risk. Even your diet can play a role, though the relationship is more complex than simply "eat this, avoid that."

Autoimmune conditions and certain infections: Sometimes, your immune system starts attacking your own colon tissue—when this happens, you’re more at risk of developing colitis.

Symptoms of colitis: 4 red flags

 While many factors affect intestinal function, it is important to recognize symptoms outside of your normal day-to-day experience. Here are four symptoms which may suggest underlying inflammation:

1. Abdominal pain and cramping that come in waves and can range from mild to severe.
2. Changes in bowel movements are another telltale sign. You might experience diarrhea, sometimes with blood or mucus, or alternate between diarrhea and constipation. But the general rule is that you should pay attention if it's outside of what’s normal for you.
3. Urgency becomes your new reality—when nature calls, it’s easy to feel desperate. You might find yourself mapping out bathroom locations wherever you go.
4. Fatigue often accompanies these symptoms, as your body works overtime to manage the inflammation. Some people also experience fever, weight loss or a general feeling of being unwell. Low blood counts from chronic bleeding can lead to considerable fatigue.

Getting to the bottom of it: Diagnosis

If you're experiencing persistent symptoms, it's time to chat with your healthcare provider. Diagnosing colitis typically involves several steps.

First off, your doctor will start with a thorough medical history and physical examination. They will want to know about your symptoms, family history and any medications you take, and then you will most likely have some lab tests or imaging, such as the following:

• Blood tests can help identify inflammation markers and rule out other conditions.
• Stool samples might be requested to check for infections or signs of inflammation. While not the most glamorous part of the process, these tests provide valuable clues.
• Imaging studies like CT scans or MRIs might be recommended to get a visual look at your intestinal tract or adjacent structures.
• Endoscopic examinations such as colonoscopy are often the gold standard in evaluation. A colonoscopy allows doctors to see the inflammation directly and sometimes take tissue samples for further analysis.

Treatment for colitis

The good news? Colitis is very treatable, and most people can manage their symptoms effectively with the right approach. Treatment typically involves a combination of medications and lifestyle modifications.

• Medications form the backbone of colitis treatment. Anti-inflammatory drugs can help reduce colon inflammation, while immunosuppressants might be prescribed for more severe cases. Your gastroenterologist can work with you to find the right medication cocktail for your specific situation.
• Dietary changes can be a powerful way to manage colitis. Identifying and avoiding trigger foods is often helpful, though trigger foods vary from person to person. Common culprits include
  • Spicy foods
  • High-fiber foods during flares
  • Dairy products
  • Alcohol

But don’t fret, there are even foods that lead to a healthier gut. Unfortunately, even with food avoidance, certain types of colitis may not respond to dietary changes alone.

• Stress management deserves special mention. Since stress can trigger flares, finding healthy ways to manage stress—whether through exercise, meditation or therapy—can be as important as any medication.
• Probiotics might also play a role in maintaining gut health, though you should discuss this with your healthcare provider before starting any supplements.

In addition, it’s important to remember that regular follow-up appointments with a gastroenterologist are crucial for monitoring your condition and adjusting treatment as needed.

Next steps for your digestive health

If you're experiencing persistent digestive symptoms, don't play the waiting game. Your gut health is too important to ignore, and early intervention often leads to better outcomes.

Ready to take control of your digestive health? Start by taking our comprehensive GI health assessment quiz to better understand your symptoms and risk factors. If you're experiencing symptoms that concern you, don't hesitate to speak with your primary care physician—they can help determine if you need to see a gastroenterology specialist.

And remember, you don't have to navigate these concerns alone. With the right support, information and treatment plan, you can get your digestive health back on course.