Colitis is inflammation or swelling of the large intestine (colon). It can be short-lived (acute) or long-term (chronic) and includes types such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's colitis, infectious colitis (for example, C. difficile), ischemic colitis, and microscopic colitis.
Symptoms can vary but often include:
Colitis can result from several factors:
Don't wait-colitis is treatable. Call GastroDoxs in Jersey Village or book your appointment online now. Our compassionate team will guide you toward relief and better digestive health, one step at a time.
We've successfully treated more than 2.9K 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.
Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive tract from mouth to anus and often involves full-thickness inflammation with healthy tissue between inflamed segments. Ulcerative colitis is limited to the colon and rectum, involves only the mucosal lining, and causes continuous areas of inflammation.
C. diff colitis is an infection of the colon caused by the bacterium Clostridioides difficile. It often occurs after antibiotic use disrupts normal gut flora, leading to symptoms such as watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.
Yes. Ulcerative colitis is considered an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the colon, leading to chronic inflammation and ulceration.
During a flare, many patients benefit from avoiding spicy foods, raw vegetables, high-fat dishes, dairy products if lactose intolerant, and caffeine. Trigger foods can vary by person, so work with your care team to identify your specific sensitivities.
Treatment depends on the type and severity of colitis. Common options include aminosalicylates (like mesalamine), corticosteroids for short-term flare control, immunomodulators, and biologics such as vedolizumab or tofacitinib. Your doctor will tailor therapy to your needs.
Ulcerative colitis codes fall under K51.0 to K51.9, with specific subcodes denoting disease extent and severity (for example, K51.20 for unspecified ulcerative colitis without complications).
The ICD-10 code for stercoral colitis, which is inflammation caused by impacted fecal matter, is K55.22.
Yes. A diet low in fiber and residue (soft foods), adequate hydration, and avoidance of personal trigger foods can help minimize symptoms. Nutritional supplements may also be recommended to address deficiencies.
You should schedule an evaluation if you experience persistent abdominal pain, ongoing or bloody diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, fever, or signs of anemia. Early diagnosis and treatment improve outcomes.
Look for a board-certified gastroenterologist with specific experience in inflammatory bowel disease, positive patient reviews or referrals, adherence to Crohn's & Colitis Foundation guidelines, and a clear, personalized care plan-like those offered at GastroDoxs in Jersey Village.
