Colitis is the inflammation of the inner lining of the colon, often causing pain and diarrhea. It can result from infections, inflammatory bowel disease, or other causes.
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Colitis can be caused by bacterial infections such as Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) and Salmonella.
Symptoms often include abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, and sometimes fever.
Diagnosis is typically made through stool tests, colonoscopy, and imaging studies.
Treatment depends on the cause but may include antibiotics for bacterial infections or anti-inflammatory medications for chronic conditions.
The normal microbiota of the digestive system plays a crucial role in preventing colitis by outcompeting pathogenic bacteria.
Review Questions
What are common symptoms of colitis?
Which types of bacteria are known to cause colitis?
How does the normal microbiota help in preventing colitis?
Related terms
Clostridioides difficile (C. diff): A bacterium that can cause severe colitis and diarrhea.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): A group of disorders including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis characterized by chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.
Microbiota: The community of microorganisms living in a particular environment, such as the gut.