Acute Self-Limited Infectious Colitis (ASLC) is a sudden inflammation of the colon caused by an infection. "Acute" means it comes on quickly, and "self-limited" means it generally resolves on its own within a few days to weeks without long-term damage.
You may notice:
ASLC usually starts after an infection from:
At GastroDoxs in Cypress, our experienced gastroenterologists specialize in acute self-limited colitis. We deliver personalized treatment plans-combining advanced diagnostics, evidence-based therapies, and nutritional guidance-to help you recover quickly and comfortably. Book your appointment today and let our compassionate team support you every step of the way.
We've successfully treated more than 1.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Infections (bacterial, viral, or parasitic), medications (especially antibiotics), food poisoning, unsafe drinking water, sudden diet changes, and stress are common triggers of acute self-limited colitis.
Most people start to feel better within 3 to 14 days of appropriate care, including hydration, rest, and supportive treatments.
Diagnosis involves a medical history review, physical exam, stool tests for pathogens, blood work to check for inflammation, and sometimes a colonoscopy to exclude chronic conditions.
ASLC is an acute, short-term inflammation often caused by infections or other temporary factors, whereas ulcerative colitis is a chronic autoimmune disease requiring long-term management.
If you experience ongoing bleeding, high fever, signs of dehydration, or symptoms that persist beyond two weeks, you should consult a gastroenterologist promptly.
Yes. Starting with clear liquids and gradually introducing bland, low-fiber foods (e.g., bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) helps soothe the colon and support healing.
No. Most adults recover fully without lasting issues when they receive timely and appropriate care for acute self-limited colitis.
Yes. Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, leading to inflammation and symptoms of acute self-limited colitis.
When an infection is the underlying cause, ASLC can be contagious. Good hand hygiene, safe food handling, and clean drinking water help prevent spread.
Many patients notice improvement within a few days of beginning rehydration, dietary adjustments, rest, and any prescribed medications.
