Lymphocytic colitis is a disease that causes a person's colon to become inflamed. The exact cause of the condition is unknown, but it is known that it does not increase a person's risk for colon cancer. Chronic watery diarrhea is the primary symptom of lymphocytic colitis. Dietary and lifestyle changes aimed at improving diarrhea are usually the first line of treatment.
What Is Lymphocytic Colitis?
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a general name for diseases that cause inflammation in the intestines. Lymphocytic colitis is a type of bowel inflammation that affects the
colon (large intestine). Lymphocytic colitis is not related to
Crohn's disease or
ulcerative colitis, which are more severe forms of inflammatory bowel disease. Also, lymphocytic colitis does not increase the risk of
colon cancer.
Both
collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis are referred to as
microscopic colitis because
colonoscopy usually shows no signs of inflammation on the surface of the colon. Instead, tissue samples from the colon must be examined under a microscope to make the diagnosis.
Causes of Lymphocytic Colitis
No precise lymphocytic colitis cause has been found. Possible causes of damage to the colon lining include:
- Bacteria and their toxins
- Viruses
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Some researchers have suggested that lymphocytic colitis may result from an autoimmune response, meaning that the body's immune system is destroying cells for no apparent reason.
Symptoms of Lymphocytic Colitis
Lymphocytic colitis symptoms are similar to those of collagenous colitis -- mainly chronic watery, non-bloody
diarrhea. The diarrhea may be continuous or episodic. Abdominal pain or cramps may also be present.
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