286 Best Doctors for Colitis available in Chennai

Colitis can occur due to an infection caused by bacteria, such as C. difficile, parasites and viruses. In addition, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease), ischemia (caused by decrease in blood supply) and ulcerative colitis are also some known causes for colitis.

Patients are not generally hospitalised for colitis. Studies have demonstrated that 25% of patients with colitis require hospitalization.

Ulcerative colitis can be managed and treated with medications and, in some cases, surgery. Medications include immunosuppressant drugs (azathioprine, cyclosporine, etc.). Patients having fever will require antibiotics after consultation from a physician. Loperamide may be useful in the case of severe diarrhoea. Surgery usually involves removal of the entire colon and rectum (proctocolectomy).

Spicy foods, refined sugar, raw fruits and vegetables, meat, sulphate and sulphide-rich foods (red meat), dairy milk, beer and wine, caffeine along with carbonated drinks can severely affect the patients with colitis.

Possible complications of ulcerative colitis include severe bleeding, a hole in the colon, severe dehydration, an increased risk of colon cancer, and rapidly swelling colon.