Can colitis cause back pain?

Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 04, 2024
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Colitis is commonly seen in clinical settings and generally does not cause back pain. The typical symptoms include abdominal discomfort and abnormal stools. It may manifest as discomfort in the left side of the abdomen, such as bloating and abdominal pain. Abnormal stools can be reflected by an increased frequency of defecation, generally more than two to three times. The character of the stool may change; for instance, a patient who previously suffered from constipation may now experience watery diarrhea or have stools that are relatively loose, but generally, there is no accompanying bloody stool, commonly referred to as stool with blood. Symptoms can also include a decrease in appetite, nausea, and vomiting. Common causes of back pain are generally considered to result from the urinary system or spinal pathology, such as ureteral stones, kidney stones, or herniated lumbar discs, etc. It is recommended for patients to undergo further examinations to clarify these conditions.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
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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.)

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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 I drink yogurt with colitis?

Colitis is relatively common in clinical practice, especially in gastroenterology. The treatment generally involves two steps: first, medication treatment; second, dietary treatment. For patients with colitis, they can consume yogurt unless they have a clear allergy to yogurt or experience abdominal discomfort after consuming it. The main symptoms patients display are abdominal pain and abnormal stools, characterized by pain in the lower left abdomen or loose stools, and sometimes even fever. For these symptoms, we can choose to treat with certain medications. Antispasmodic analgesics can be added for abdominal pain, and medications to stop diarrhea or regulate the intestinal flora can be used for diarrhea. However, if there is a fever, oral anti-inflammatory drugs may be considered as needed. The diet should focus on light, liquid-based, and easy-to-digest foods, avoiding spicy foods. Of course, consuming yogurt is not a problem, so patients with colitis can eat yogurt, but not excessively, especially if they experience abdominal pain. It is suggested to reduce the amount of yogurt consumed. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Wang Zhen Quan
Colorectal Surgery Department
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What foods are good for colitis?

So, what kind of food is better for patients with colitis? First, we recommend high-protein, high-calorie foods, because colitis generally has a process of prolonged illness and long duration, which affects the digestion and absorption of food and causes substantial energy depletion in the body. Therefore, we recommend adopting a diet rich in protein and calories to meet our bodily needs. However, we must also note that if the amount of diet exceeds the intestinal tolerance of the patient, it may actually worsen the condition. Therefore, it is necessary to flexibly manage according to the specific conditions and symptoms of the patient, gradually increasing the supply of protein and calories is advisable. Additionally, we recommend high-vitamin foods. A diet low in residue often lacks vitamins, which can be supplemented with filtered vegetable soups and juices, such as tomato juice, to provide the necessary vitamins. On the other hand, we need to ensure adequate hydration. Normally, each person needs about 1200 to 1600 mL of water per day. If there is excessive water loss due to diarrhea, fluid therapy should also be supplemented. During acute flare-ups, we should eat a residue-free or semi-liquid diet, such as eggs, fish (except for those allergic), soy milk, tofu pudding, and other low-residue foods, along with noodles and sliced noodles, and it is appropriate to eat small meals frequently.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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What are the symptoms of colitis?

Colitis can be divided into acute and chronic types. If it occurs acutely, it generally presents symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and bloating. Some may experience fever, chills, and body aches. These can be diagnosed with routine blood tests and stool tests. If diarrhea recurs over a period exceeding two months, it suggests chronic diarrhea, such as chronic colitis, which is also characterized mainly by abdominal pain and diarrhea. In the case of inflammatory bowel disease, besides abdominal pain and diarrhea, a significant feature often includes hemolytic disease. A definitive diagnosis can be made with a colonoscopy, often accompanied by symptoms such as weight loss, fatigue, or anemia.