Lymphotic colitis is a condition that results from an inflamed colon. The resulting effect is a watery diarrhea that is chronic. It is closely related to collagenous colitis, which has the same effects. Both collagenous colitis (CC) and Lymphotic colitis (LC) are used to represent the bowel inflammatory disease. This condition is not life threatening though immediate action must be taken to curb its spread. It may result into dehydration as the patient looses a lot of body fluids through diarrhea. This condition is caused by either a virus or bacteria. They are believed to produce toxins that trigger chronic diarrhea. All these causes are however controversial since they are unconfirmed.
Investigations are still being done on the causes of this condition. Some researchers believe that this condition is caused by immunity problems. They argue that an overactive immune system can lead to the destruction of healthy cells thus the chronic diarrhea. The healthy cells are mistaken for foreign invaders hence their destruction. Other conditions linked with this disease include diabetes mellitus, celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, crest syndrome, pernicious anemia, and the sjogren syndrome.
Long use of antidepressants is associated with this condition. One of these is the sertraline drug. Lymphocytic colitis may also be caused by drug consumption. These drugs trigger diarrhea. They include aspirin, ticlopidine, acarbose, and proton inhibitors. The symptoms associated with this disease include chronic diarrhea. The infected person experiences a watery diarrhea that shows no signs of blood. In some cases, patients may experience up to nine bowel movements, which is rather uncomfortable. The most severe cases have reported up to 20 bowel movements in a single day. The patient may suffer this for up to two months before a proper diagnosis is made.
Other symptoms that one suffers include nausea, abdominal pains, bloating, cramps, weight loss, dehydration, and fecal incontinence. It is advisable for people experiencing such symptoms to seek medical advice at once. To diagnose lymphocytic colitis, a microscopic examination is done. This has led to the disease being commonly known as microscopic colitis. This condition is more common in older adults. Documented findings state that women are more prone to this condition than men are. Lymphocytic colitis treatment is varied. The treatment will differ according to severity and the symptoms that have been established.
Treating this condition is more of a change in lifestyle. This defect is more diet based and having a proper diet is essential. One of the measures taken is reducing fat intake. Patients are also encouraged to stay away from caffeine and lactose related foods. People are encouraged to cut down on pain relievers intake, which is associated with this condition. Seeking medical attention is highly recommended in order to get the right treatment. Medications can be prescribed in regard to the condition. At times, the doctor may advice the patient to undergo surgery. This surgery removes the inflamed colon to stop further infection. Anti-inflammatory medications are administered to counter the inflammatory attacks. These include sulfasalazine, mesalamine, and steroids.