Microscopic Colitis
Microscopic colitis is a type of inflammation of the large intestine (colon) that can cause watery diarrhea and cramping. Because it’s too small to see with colonoscopy, it requires a tissue sample to be viewed under a microscope. Microscopic colitis is part of the irritable bowel syndrome (IBD) family, and is less serious than Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
There are two types of microscopic colitis. Collagenous colitis occurs when a thick layer of collagen/protein develops in colon tissue. Lymphocytic colitis causes an increasing number of white blood cells in colon tissue.
Symptoms
- Watery diarrhea lasting weeks to months
- Abdominal cramps and/or pain
- Bloating
- Dehydration
- Nausea
- Weight loss
Treatment
- Changes to diet
- Discontinuing medication
- Anti-diarrheal medications
- Steroids
- Anti-inflammatory medications