Colitis in Denver, CO
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Find a ProviderWhat is colitis?
Colitis is an issue that indicates the general swelling of the inner lining of the large intestine. There are a few different forms of this GI condition that could cause swelling of the colon, along with other different issues. A few frequent forms of colitis:
- Microscopic colitis: Causes frequent loose diarrhea
- Infectious colitis (food poisoning): Caused by ingestion of bacteria and viruses
- Ulcerative colitis (IBD colitis): Leads to irritation and inflammation of the digestive tract
- Ischemic (ischaemic) colitis: An outcome of poor blood flow
Though ulcerative colitis is often called colitis, these are actually two different conditions. The skilled providers at Denver Digestive Health Specialists are here to address different types of colitis and other GI ailments you may be suffering. If you want to locate treatment for colitis in Denver, CO, we invite you to request a consultation at one of our locations near you today.
What can cause colitis?
There are several different causes why the inner tissue layer of the large bowel may be swollen. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Crohn’s disease
- Certain drugstore and prescription medicines (typical drugs which can bring on colitis include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and mycophenolate)
- IBD (inflammatory bowel disease)
- Loss of blood supply to the intestine (ischemia)
- Allergies
- Attack of the intestinal lining from collagen or white blood cells
- Infection (due to parasites invading the intestines)
No matter the cause of your colitis, you will be able to connect with a provider at Denver Digestive Health Specialists who can help provide a solution.
What are the signs of colitis?
Symptoms of colitis are:
- Swelling or redness of the eyes
- Stools with blood
- Cramps
- Canker sores
- Abnormal bathroom habits (such as the constant need to eliminate waste)
- Sores on the colon
- Discomfort in/of the joints or abdomen (colon), which can arise in waves or be persistent
- Tenderness in the abdomen
- Tiredness
- Rapid weight loss
- Higher than normal body temperature and/or chills (indicators of infection)
- Diarrhea (with or without the presence of blood)
- Depression
What are some treatment options for colitis?
Regular interventions used for all types of colitis can include:
- Popular inflammatory bowel disease medications
- Changing your diet
- Pain-relieving drugs
- Administering fluids to the body (orally or with an IV)
- Improving essential body functions
Depending on the cause of the colitis, you may have various treatment options. Some examples of causes are:
- Inflammatory bowel disease: When the reason for the inflammation is the result of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, then anti-inflammatory medicines might be recommended to start with and immunosuppressant drugs could be added if needed. Surgery may be required according to the stage of the colitis.
- Ischemic colitis: The normal treatment for ischemic colitis is to hydrate the body using IV solutions and give the intestines the opportunity to heal. In the event that the blood supply in the colon is not improved, surgery could be performed to remove those portions of the colon that lost blood circulation.
- Microscopic colitis: In certain instances, the body can heal on its own. It might also be addressed by using anti-diarrheal medicine and particular steroid drugs, adjustment of diet, and (less frequently) surgical procedures.
- Infections: If the infection is caused by bacteria, then antibiotics could be the best course of treatment. If the infection is caused by a virus, then keeping the body hydrated and waiting several days would be the primary way to address your colitis.
When should I see a specialist about colitis?
At our Denver, CO locations, we suggest you contact one of our GI specialists whenever you experience:
- Diarrhea that persists for more than 14 days
- Stools with blood
- Dehydration or fever
- Concerning abdominal discomfort that worsens over time
Since these could all be signs of colitis, we will do our best to address your symptoms and create a treatment plan as quickly as possible.
Qualified care for colitis
Always on the forefront of current and emerging therapies for colitis and other different digestive diseases, the providers at Denver Digestive Health Specialists offer patient-focused care that allows individuals to have an elevated quality of life. For specialized colitis treatment in Denver, CO, we encourage you to request a consultation with one of our locations near you.
Colitis FAQs
What are the differences between ulcerative colitis and colitis?
Colitis and ulcerative colitis, though related, have distinct differences in their scope and health implications. Colitis is a general term for inflammation of the colon, which can be triggered by infections, reduced blood flow, medications, or allergies, resulting in symptoms like abdominal pain and diarrhea. Ulcerative colitis, however, is a specific type of colitis categorized under inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It involves chronic inflammation and ulcer formation on the inner lining of the colon and rectum, often causing more severe symptoms.
What kind of diet should I follow if I have colitis?
Managing colitis effectively involves adopting a diet aimed at reducing intestinal distress and supporting healing. A low-residue diet, which minimizes fiber intake to decrease bowel movement frequency and volume, can be helpful in limiting the symptoms of colitis. Additionally, an anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, lean proteins, and plenty of fruits and vegetables can aid in reducing inflammation. An elimination diet, where potential irritants like gluten, dairy, and processed foods are removed and then gradually reintroduced, can identify specific food sensitivities. Together, these dietary approaches can help alleviate symptoms, maintain nutritional balance, and promote overall digestive health.
What are the risks of not treating colitis?
If colitis is left untreated, it can lead to serious complications. There is a risk of colon perforation, a life-threatening condition where a hole forms in the colon wall. Patients might also develop toxic megacolon, characterized by rapid swelling and potential rupture of the colon. Additionally, untreated colitis increases the risk of colon cancer due to chronic inflammation and can also lead to other inflammatory conditions like arthritis or skin disorders. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent these serious health issues.
Reviews
He is a great colitis, doctor I would not have anyone else to treat me but him😚
Dr. New was great would recommend him to other people
Dr. Siegel is a great doctor to go to. He and his staff are very helpful and listen to any concerns I have.
Dr Siegel is not only a skilled surgeon but an empathetic and wonderful human being. I feel very fortunate to have found him when I moved to Denver 7 years ago. He has performed more than 6 endoscopies on me and determined that I had EoE and what foods were causing this disease.
I am 41 years old and was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis and Psoriasis all at the age of 15 years old. My mother was amazing, she took me to Mayo Clinic, Cedars Sinai and found the best GI doctors she could. My mom was ahead of the curve, she did not believe nor listen to the GI doctor who said that diet was not that big of a deal and lifestyle, it was all about medication medication.. she got me a dietician, a nutritionist also a doctor who had Crohn's Disease himself which was amazing and such a help going through all of that at a young age... Well from 23 years old to 41 years old i controlled all of my diseases with my diet and my lifestyle, hospitalized many many times but i would never allow surgery on my stomach... i took Asacol like 30 pills daily then humira, remicade stelara and some others all of them before 25 and hated the side effects.. so all these years i have not found a GI that spoke about foods and diet and all of that until i met DR. SIEGEL.... wow when i met him i honestly felt like I finally have someone who studies and is up to speed on all the new treatments for my diseases. He is by far the best GI i have ever been to and also he is amazing with bed side talk and relating to the patient... We actually are trying some medication and i cannot believe no side effects and it has improved areas i did not believe was even possible anymore, i just accepted a certain level and was good with it.. Since seeing him i have seen more data and research on foods (thank god for my mother I have been eating this diet my whole life) and i really feel amazing and i am going to share all of this on my website so others know about lifestyle and foods that doctors never ever shared or believed in because they simply stopped learning and believed medication medication etc.... Thank you Dr. Siegel you really have improved and changed my life !
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