What Is Colitis?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
In simple terms, colitis is the inflammation of the colon. The condition is usually associated with the inflammation of the small intestines called enteritis, proctitis or inflammation of the rectum, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), decreased blood supply to the colon, and invasion of the wall of the colon by lymphocytes.
Colitis affects the inner lining of the colon. There are different types of the condition, which include ulcerative colitis, Crohns colitis, diversion colitis, ischemic colitis, infectious colitis, fulminant colitis, collagenous colitis, chemical colitis, microscopic colitis, lymphocytic colitis, and atypical colitis. Colitis can lead to a medical emergency especially if the colon is severely damaged.
