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Microscopic Colitis

Microscopic colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel (colon) disease that causes persistent watery diarrhea. In order to identify the disorder, bowel tissue must be viewed under a microscope, as the tissue appears to be normal when examined during a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.

There are three subtypes of microscopic colitis:

  • Collagenous colitis: a layer of collagen grows in the bowel tissue
  • Lymphocytic colitis: lymphocytes (white blood cells) multiply in bowel tissue
  • Incomplete microscopic colitis: both features of collagenous and lymphocytic colitis are exhibited

Regardless of subtype, symptoms, testing and treatment remain the same.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms include:

  • Chronic watery diarrhea
  • Cramps, bloating or abdominal pain
  • Nausea
  • Weight loss
  • Dehydration
  • Fecal incontinence

Symptoms may come and go, and periodically resolve on their own.

Should You See a Doctor?

If symptoms last more than a few days, particularly watery diarrhea, contact your doctor so they can assess and, if needed, treat your condition.

Causes

It’s unclear what causes bowel inflammation. Possibilities include:

  • Autoimmune diseases, such as celiac disease and rheumatoid arthritis, which attack the body’s healthy tissues
  • Viruses that produce inflammation
  • Bacteria that generate inflammation in the colon’s lining
  • Medications that irritate the colon lining
Abdominal Pain Barrett's Esophagus Celiac Disease Colon & Colorectal Cancer Crohn's Disease Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis Elevated Liver Enzymes Esophagitis and Stricture Gastrointestinal and Gastroenterologist Heartburn, Acid Reflux & GERD Helicobacter Pylori (Stomach Infection) Hemorrhoids Inflammatory Bowel Disease Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Liver Disease Microscopic Colitis Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) Stomach Problems and Swallowing Problems Ulcerative Colitis When to See a GI Doctor for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
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River Oaks Endoscopy Center
1501 River Pointe Drive, Suite 260 ,
Conroe, TX 77304

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