Diagnosing Lymphocytic Colitis
A lymphocytic colitis diagnosis is typically made after tissue samples taken during
colonoscopy (or flexible
sigmoidoscopy) are examined under a microscope. In lymphocytic colitis, tissue samples show inflammation, with white blood cells known as lymphocytes between the cells that line the
colon. In contrast to
collagenous colitis, there is no abnormality of the collagen protein.
People with lymphocytic colitis are generally diagnosed in their 50s. Both men and women are equally affected with this condition.
Treatment for Lymphocytic Colitis
Lymphocytic colitis treatment varies, depending on the symptoms and severity of the disease. The disease has been known to resolve on its own, but most patients have recurrent symptoms.
Lifestyle changes aimed at improving
diarrhea are usually tried first. Recommended changes include:
- Reducing the amount of fat in the diet
- Eliminating foods that contain caffeine or lactose
- Not using NSAIDs.
If lifestyle changes alone are not enough, medications are often used to control the symptoms of lymphocytic colitis.
Antidiarrheal medications (such as bismuth subsalicylate) and bulking agents (such as fiber supplements) can help reduce diarrhea. Anti-inflammatory medications, such as
mesalamine,
sulfasalazine, and steroids (including
budesonide), reduce inflammation. Immunosuppressive agents, which reduce the autoimmune response, are rarely needed.
For extreme cases of lymphocytic colitis, bypass of the colon or surgery to remove all or part of the colon has been done on occasion. However, these surgeries are rarely recommended.
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