What are the symptoms of colitis?

Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 16, 2024
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Colitis is relatively common in clinical settings, especially in the gastroenterology outpatient department, and it generally occurs in middle-aged and elderly patients. The disease typically begins with abdominal pain, diarrhea, or abnormal stools. The abdominal pain is characterized by episodic pain in the lower left or right abdomen, without persistent episodes and generally does not occur after the patient falls asleep at night. The diet is usually not related. Diarrhea manifests as watery stools or stools with a soft texture, without bloody stools. Abnormal stools are characterized by constipation, for instance, if the patient has not had a bowel movement for several days, with dry, sheep-dung-like stools that are difficult to expel. Typically, after a thorough colonoscopy, no colon tumors or polyps are found, but signs of congested and edematous colonic mucosa suggest a diagnosis of colitis. Generally, the condition isn't severe, and treatment primarily involves symptomatic management.

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Is colonic inflammatory polyp serious?

Inflammatory colon polyps are not very severe, and it is very rare for inflammatory polyps to become cancerous. However, if the inflammatory polyps are relatively large, it is necessary to undergo endoscopic treatment to remove them. After removal, pathological and tissue examinations are also needed to further confirm whether the polyps are indeed inflammatory and to rule out tumorous polyps, such as adenomatous polyps, among others. Additionally, about six months after the polyp removal surgery, a follow-up colonoscopy should be conducted to check for the recurrence of polyps. The primary causes of inflammatory colon polyps could be diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.

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Can colitis cause anal pain?

The main symptoms of chronic colitis include abdominal pain, diarrhea, or the presence of snot-like mucus in the stool. If there is anal pain, it may indicate the coexistence of hemorrhoids, as chronic colitis alone does not cause anal pain; anal pain is mainly due to hemorrhoids. Chronic colitis can be diagnosed through colonoscopy, which may reveal hyperemia, erosion, or edema of the intestinal mucosa, as well as white mucus adhering to the intestines. In terms of treatment, Western medicine primarily uses probiotics to regulate the intestinal flora, while Chinese medicine may involve oral administration of herbal medicines based on syndrome differentiation, as well as external treatments like moxibustion and enemas, which can also be effective.

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Can moxibustion cure colitis?

For some cases of acute colitis, particularly those caused by exposure to pathogenic cold, dampness, and wind, moxibustion is quite effective, able to immediately alleviate clinical symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea. At this time, we can choose acupoints for treating acute enteritis, such as the Liangqiu point for moxibustion, as well as other points like Yinlingquan, Zusanli, and Yanglingquan. Additionally, local points on the abdomen can also be used for moxibustion. For example, using the Tianshu point for moxibustion can warm the meridians, promote circulation, disperse cold, and relieve pain. Other points like Daheng and Qihai can also be used, and if there is qi stagnation, regulating the Sanyinjiao can help relieve symptoms of colitis.

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Does colitis cause a fever?

Colitis is caused by bacterial or viral infections in the colon, and infections are the most common cause of fever; therefore, patients with colitis often experience fever. Some pathogens invade the human body and act on the temperature regulation center, raising the set point, which results in fever. If the body temperature does not exceed 38.5°C, physical methods can be used to reduce the fever, such as wiping the palms, soles, forehead, and armpits with a warm towel, while actively using medication to treat colitis. If the body temperature is higher, some antipyretic drugs can be used along with the treatment for colitis.

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What medicine is used for colitis?

Colitis may involve choosing some medications that protect the intestinal mucosa and regulate the intestinal flora, along with other symptomatic treatments. If the intestinal inflammation presents as abdominal discomfort or significant illness, one might choose to use antispasmodic pain relief and antidiarrheal medications, which can generally achieve certain control. Ileitis is also relatively common clinically, with patients usually presenting with discomfort in stool or service and, after undergoing a thorough colonoscopy, inflammatory changes in the intestines are found, characterized by mucosal congestion, edema, and even scattered erosion and ulcer formation. Treatment options include oral medications, but in terms of diet, it primarily involves choosing clean, easily digestible foods and supplementing with some nutrients. Colitis generally presents with lower abdominal pain and discomfort in the lower left abdomen, typically occurring in paroxysmal attacks without specificity. (Please take medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)