1.9K Reviews | 4.7 Star Rating | 20+ years of experience | 72k+ Patients Treated
Lymphocytic Colitis
Lymphocytic colitis causes microscopic inflammation in the colon, triggering chronic diarrhea and discomfort. At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Scott employs targeted diagnostics, personalized dietary guidance, and effective medications to relieve symptoms and support lasting digestive wellness with compassionate, expert care.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
What Is Lymphocytic Colitis?
Lymphocytic colitis is a form of microscopic colitis characterized by chronic, non-bloody, watery diarrhea. Although the colon looks normal during endoscopy, biopsies show an excess of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) infiltrating the lining of the large intestine.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Age over 50 years
Female sex
Use of certain medications (NSAIDs, proton-pump inhibitors, antidepressants)
Underlying autoimmune disorders (for example, thyroid disease)
Smoking
Unknown or idiopathic in many cases
Signs and Symptoms
Chronic, watery (non-bloody) diarrhea
Urgent need to use the bathroom
Abdominal cramps or pain
Fatigue or general weakness
Unintended weight loss over time
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses This Condition?
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He reviews your symptoms-such as chronic watery diarrhea, sudden urges, cramps, fatigue, and any weight changes-and assesses medication use (NSAIDs, antidepressants), smoking history, and other risk factors.
Colonoscopy with Biopsy
Dr. Scott performs a colonoscopy to inspect the lining of your large intestine. Even if it looks normal, he takes multiple small tissue samples.
Microscopic Tissue Analysis
A pathologist examines the biopsy and counts lymphocytes within the colon's mucosa.
An increased lymphocyte count with an otherwise normal appearance confirms lymphocytic colitis.
Blood and Stool Tests
These tests help rule out infections (bacterial, parasitic), celiac disease, and other inflammatory bowel conditions, ensuring an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for lymphocytic colitis.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Personalized low-residue diet plans to reduce fiber during flare-ups
Hydration guidance to counteract diarrhea and prevent dehydration
Advice on avoiding triggers such as caffeine, alcohol, and NSAIDs
2. Medications
Budesonide to directly reduce inflammation in the colon
Loperamide to slow bowel movements and improve stool consistency
Bile acid binders for diarrhea related to bile acid malabsorption
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Endoscopic evaluation with biopsy for definitive diagnosis and monitoring
Endoscopic dilation in rare cases of colonic strictures
Opportunities to participate in clinical trials for emerging therapies
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is lymphocytic colitis?
Lymphocytic colitis is a type of microscopic colitis where extra lymphocytes (immune cells) in the colon lining cause inflammation only seen under a microscope.
Is it serious?
It is not life-threatening, but it can cause persistent diarrhea, cramping, fatigue, and weight loss if untreated.
How is it different from ulcerative colitis?
With lymphocytic colitis, the colon looks normal during colonoscopy and inflammation is microscopic. Ulcerative colitis shows visible ulcers and bleeding on scope.
How is it diagnosed?
A colonoscopy with biopsy samples is required. The tissue is examined under a microscope to confirm excess lymphocytes and rule out other causes.
Can diet changes help?
Yes. During flare-ups, a low-residue diet (reduced fiber), avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and NSAIDs, plus good hydration can ease symptoms.
What medications are used?
Common treatments include loperamide to slow bowel movements, budesonide (a locally-acting steroid) to reduce inflammation, and bile acid binders if bile acids contribute to diarrhea.
Will I need surgery?
Surgery is almost never required. In rare cases of severe scarring or strictures, endoscopic procedures can relieve narrowing without open surgery.
