Infectious colitis is inflammation of the large intestine (colon) caused by harmful microorganisms-bacteria, viruses, or parasites. It usually comes on quickly, often after consuming contaminated food or water. Unlike ulcerative colitis, which is a chronic disease, infectious colitis typically resolves in a few days with proper treatment.
You may notice one or more of the following:
Infectious colitis can be triggered by a variety of factors:
Don't wait to feel better. At GastroDoxs in Katy, our board-certified digestive health experts offer same-day appointments, quick test results, and personalized treatment plans for infectious colitis. Call us now at 832-632-4070 or book online to secure your visit and start your journey to recovery.
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.
No. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic, long-term inflammatory disease of the colon. Infectious colitis is a short-term inflammation caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites and usually resolves with appropriate treatment.
Mild cases often improve within 3-7 days. More severe infections can last 2-4 weeks, depending on the pathogen and how quickly treatment begins.
Not always. Antibiotics are prescribed only if laboratory tests confirm a bacterial infection. Your doctor will recommend treatment based on your test results.
Yes, if symptoms are mild. Rest, stay hydrated with fluids or oral rehydration solutions, and eat bland foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Seek medical care for fever, bloody diarrhea, or signs of dehydration.
It can be triggered by contaminated food or water, poor hygiene, travel to areas with unsafe water, recent antibiotic use that disrupts gut flora, or direct exposure to pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, norovirus, or Giardia.
Treatment follows evidence-based guidelines: fluid replacement (oral or IV), antibiotics for bacterial cases, antiparasitic drugs when needed, bland diet, probiotics, and close monitoring of symptoms.
Gastroenteritis involves inflammation of the stomach and small intestine, often causing nausea and vomiting. Infectious colitis specifically inflames the colon and typically leads to more abdominal pain and bloody or watery diarrhea.
Yes. Both your stomach/small intestine and colon can be infected simultaneously. Diagnosis may require stool studies to identify all causative pathogens before determining the precise treatment plan.
Practice good hand hygiene, avoid raw or undercooked dairy and meat, drink bottled or properly treated water, and be cautious with food and water when traveling to areas with poor sanitation.
Consult a gastroenterologist if you experience diarrhea for more than 48 hours, high fever, visible blood in your stool, or signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, dizziness, or decreased urine output.
