Lymphatic colitis, a form of microscopic colitis, is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects the colon (large intestines). Lymphocytic colitis is a clinical and pathological syndrome that affects the colon. According to the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, lymphatic colitis affects men and women equally and the age of onset is 53 years. This colon disorder causes symptoms that can be treated.
Causes
In lymphocytic colitis, no definite producing agent has been identified, so the cause is unknown. Some doctors believe that an autoimmune process (the body's immune system destroys healthy cells for unknown reasons) or infection may be involved in the development of this disorder. However, experts at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions suggest that it is also believed that lymphocytic colitis is associated with the ingestion of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a virus or bacterial toxins may be the causative agent for the damage and inflammation of the colon.
Symptoms
The most common and primary symptom of lymphocytic colitis is chronic, noninfectious, watery diarrhea. Although other symptoms are associated with lymphocytic colitis, diarrhea is the most severe symptom, but blood is usually not present in the stool. According to the experts at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, diarrhea symptoms may occur as often as five to 10 times per day for an average of five years or as long as 20 years.
Weight loss, body weakness and dehydration symptoms can be present with lymphocytic colitis. Other symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting. Some lymphocytic colitis sufferers have ongoing diarrhea, while others have times when they have no symptoms.
Diagnosis
In lymphatic colitis, the inflammation of the colon is not visible on the surface of the colon, but can only be seen in the colon or intestinal lining, therefore requiring tissue samples to be examined for a diagnosis to be determined. During a flexible sigmoidoscopy (exam by means of a sigmoidoscope) or colonoscopy (colon exam using a colonoscope), a sample of tissue, removed from the colon lining, is examined with a microscope. If the biopsy (tissue samples) shows an increase of lymphocytes (white blood cells) between the cells that line the colon, lymphocytic colitis may be the resulting diagnosis.
Treatment
According to the Rush University Medical Center, lymphocytic colitis may resolve itself over time, but treatment can depend on the severity of the symptoms. Lifestyle changes, such as reducing the amount of fat in the diet, avoiding over-the-counter ibuprofen and aspirin, as well as completely eliminating foods containing lactose and caffeine can be an initial approach to treating lymphocytic colitis and its symptoms.
Other treatments can include prescription anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling. Steroids, budesonide and prednisone, can also be used to reduce inflammation as well as control sudden attacks of diarrhea. Anti-diarrheal medications can offer short-term relief.
Experts at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions state that the experience in treatment of lymphocytic colitis is limited because no specific trials currently exist from which to draw firm conclusions regarding successful treatment results, but treatment can relieve symptoms.
Considerations
In lymphocytic colitis, children are rarely affected by this disorder. Long-term use of steroids can cause side effects, such as high blood pressure and bone loss. Although lymphatic colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease, it is not related to more severe forms of inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, lymphocytic colitis does not increase a person's risk of getting colon cancer. Early detection, diagnosis and treatment can lead to a healthy normal life.
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