What is Collagenous Colitis and Lymphocytic Colitis?
Collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis are the types of inflammatory bowel disease that involve inflammation of the colon i.e. last portion of the bowel that ends at the anus presenting the most common symptom of chronic non-bloody diarrhea.
Sometimes collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis are also called microscopic colitis. Since the diagnosis of both conditions requires the examination of the colon tissue (biopsy) under the microscope. There is no cure however lifestyle modification and medical treatment can help manage the symptoms in the majority of the cases.
Who is more prone to get affected with Collagenous Colitis and Lymphocytic Colitis/Microscopic Colitis?
Both the conditions are observed most commonly in people older than 40 years.
Lymphocytic colitis is more frequent in women than in men, whereas in collagenous colitis both men and women are equally involved.
What are the probable causes of Collagenous Colitis and Lymphocytic Colitis/Microscopic Colitis?
The cause of collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis is unknown. Some research shows causes are:
• Bacteria and their toxins
• Family history
• Weak immune system
• Certain medicines including NSAIDs
What are the signs and symptoms of Collagenous Colitis and Lymphocytic Colitis/Microscopic Colitis?
• Chronic diarrhea
• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Abdominal bloating
• Modest weight loss
• Nausea
• Fecal incontinence
• Dehydration
• Fatigue
• Bowel incontinence
What investigations are advised for Collagenous Colitis and Lymphocytic Colitis/Microscopic Colitis?
• Complete case history
• Physical examination
• Blood test
• Stool test
• Barium enemas
• CT scan
• Biopsy
• Sigmoidoscopy
• Colonoscopy
• Endoscopy
What are the complications of Collagenous Colitis and Lymphocytic Colitis/Microscopic Colitis?
• Dehydration
• Malabsorption
• Malnutrition
• Weight loss
What is the diet and management for Collagenous Colitis and Lymphocytic Colitis/Microscopic Colitis?
• Avoid or eliminate caffeine, lactose etc.
• A low-fat diet is advisable
What is the Differential Diagnosis for Collagenous Colitis and Lymphocytic Colitis/Microscopic Colitis?
• Celiac sprue
• Crohn disease
• Giardiasis
• Hyperthyroidism
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Ulcerative colitis
What have commonly indicated Homeopathy medications for Collagenous Colitis and Lymphocytic Colitis/Microscopic Colitis?
• Arsenic album
• Bryonia alba
• Colocynthis
• Ipecacuanha
• Podophyllum
