What is lymphocytic colitis?
Lymphocytic colitis is a kind of microscopic colitis, the inflammation of the colon lining that can only be seen with the help of a microscope. Patients either have chronic water diarrhea that cannot damage the colon wall or are left without the damage.
What is the ICD-10 code for lymphocytic colitis?
The ICD-10 code for lymphocytic colitis is K52.83, which falls under the broader category of microscopic colitis.
Is lymphocytic colitis serious?
Although lymphocytic colitis may be life-threatening, especially due to chronic diarrhea and forced discomfort in the patients, it does not pose a life-threatening condition. A majority of the patients are responsive to treatment.
Is lymphocytic colitis an autoimmune disease?
The immune system also has a role to play in the lymphocytic colitis in that it is not categorized as a real auto immune disorder. Instead, it incorporates the inappropriate immune reaction that is localized in the colon.
What causes lymphocytic colitis?
Its specific pathophysiology is unclear, though it could be triggered by some drugs (NSAIDs, SSRIs), previous infection, colon bacteria imbalance, predilection to immune overresponse, inheritance, and tobacco smoking.
How is lymphocytic colitis diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves making a colonoscopy which involves actually looking at the colon (which mostly looks normal) and biopsies of the genre. On microscopic survey, the typical lymphocytic infiltration is observed.
What treatment options are available?
Therapy is generally commenced by dietary changes. Anti-diarrheal drugs (as loperamide), corticosteroids (as budesonide or individual preferences), probiotics, premedication with fiber may also be introduced by the doctor depending upon the needs of a patient.
Can dietary changes help manage lymphocytic colitis?
Yes. Sanction to curb symptoms can be achieved by modifying the fiber content, shunning caffeine, milk and other irritative agents. GastroDoxs has a free PDF of a diet to help you through appropriate meal diets.
Who should I see for lymphocytic colitis treatment?
An expert gastroenterologist with microscopic colitis experience-like the experts at GastroDoxs in Houston-has been able to properly identify and prescribe a development plan to you.
How can I schedule an appointment at GastroDoxs in Houston?
Our office in Houston can either be approached by calling or going to our webpage to schedule an appointment that can occur the same day or in the future. Our team is willing to guide you to deal with lymphocytic colitis and live a better life.
Medically Reviewed by
Dr. Bharat Pothuri, MD, FACG
| Updated 03-17-2026