What is microscopic colitis?
Microscopic colitis is an inflammation of the large intestine (colon) that causes persistent watery diarrhea.
The disorder gets its name from the fact that it's necessary to examine colon tissue under a microscope to identify it, since the tissue may appear normal with a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy.
There are different subtypes of microscopic colitis:
- Collagenous colitis.
- Lymphocytic colitis.
- Incomplete microscopic colitis.
Researchers believe collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis may be different phases of the same condition. Symptoms, testing and treatment are the same for all subtypes.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of microscopic colitis include:
- Chronic watery diarrhea
- Abdominal pain, cramps or bloating
- Weight loss
- Nausea
- Fecal incontinence
- Dehydration
The symptoms of microscopic colitis can come and go frequently. Sometimes the symptoms resolve on their own.
When to see a doctor
If you have watery diarrhea that lasts more than a few days, contact your doctor.
Causes
It's not clear what causes the inflammation of the colon found in microscopic colitis.
Researchers believe that the causes may include:
- Medications.
- Bacteria.
- Viruses.
- Autoimmune system diseases;
Risk factors for microscopic colitis include:
- Age. Microscopic colitis is most common in people ages 50 to 70.
- Sex. Women are more likely to have microscopic colitis than are men.
- A family history of irritable bowel syndrome.
- Smoking. Research suggests that there may be a connection between microscopic colitis and smoking.
- Autoimmune disease. People with microscopic colitis sometimes also have an autoimmune disorder, such as celiac disease, thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes or psoriasis.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/microscopic-colitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351478
