What is Microscopic Colitis?

Microscopic colitis takes two forms: collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis. Collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis are two types of bowel inflammation that affect the colon (large intestine). They are not related to Crohns disease or ulcerative colitis, which are more severe forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis are referred to as microscopic colitis because colonoscopy usually shows no signs of inflammation on the surface of the colon. Instead, tissue samples from the colon must be examined under a microscope to make the diagnosis.

The cause of Microscopic colitis is currently unknown. One theory is that the use of non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen) may contribute to the development of Microscopic colitis. Another theory is that Microscopic colitis is caused by an autoimmune response, where the body’s immune system attacks other tissues in the body.

It is also thought that bacteria or viruses may play a role in the development of Microscopic colitis, but the exact relationship is unknown.

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Microscopic colitis Information

Ischemic Colitis

Microscopic colitis is a medical condition that afflicts the bowels and colon. The disorder occurs when excessive amounts of collagen and white blood cells build up on the lining of the large intestine, causing inflammation and abdominal pain. The most common symptom of microscopic colitis is chronic diarrhea, which introduces additional symptoms such as dehydration, stomach cramps, bloating, and nausea. Microscopic colitis is not normally a serious condition, and it can usually be treated with home remedies, over-the-counter anti-diarrheal formulas, or medications prescribed by a licensed physician.

Research shows that microscopic colitis is a result of the immune system attacking bacteria living in the colon. Scientists are still unsure, however, about what instigates the attack to these bacteria. It is suggested that consumption of certain antibiotics or certain types of foods may trigger the attack. It is likewise believed that the body's immune system attacks non-foreign elements in the intestine after erroneously identifying them as foreign elements. Why this anomaly happens is uncertain.

Tests have also suggested that a certain gene present in the body may be the cause of the attack, but due to the lack of consistency in the results, there is no conclusion that can be drawn from the test.

Studies have also suggested that estrogen could be the cause of microscopic colitis. Research has yielded convincing findings that there are more women affected by this disease than men, and that these women are usually affected much later their in life when the supply of estrogen in the body is much higher.

Although it is not the actual cause of microscopic colitis, the body's reaction to glutinous food products could be the trigger for the inflammation of the colon. Gluten is the protein found in wheat, barley, rye and oats.

Ischemic Colitis

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