What Is Colitis?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
6. Disease Process
There are many types of colitis, each of which presents in a different way. Ulcerative colitis generally develops when the immune system reacts to bacteria and substances in the gastrointestinal tract in an abnormal way. Additionally, medications such as antibiotics can destroy both healthy and unhealthy bacteria, which sets ground for other bacteria and other harmful microorganisms to release toxins that cause inflammations.
Ischemic colitis occurs when blood supply to the large intestines stops or slows as a result of blood clots or atherosclerosis. Microscopic colitis occurs when lymphocytes, a certain type of white blood cell, invade the colon tissue. Other types of colitis such as allergic colitis usually occur in infants.
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