It is imperative for every part of the body to function to its optimal level if our body has to be in its top form. A slight malfunctioning in any part of the body can give rise to serious repercussions. So, when we decide to adopt a healthy lifestyle, in addition to adhering to our gym routine, we have to ensure that we eat healthy food; food that doesn’t harm our sensitive digestive system. One of the most common illnesses that people suffer from is that of the digestive system. What we eat and what we drink has a direct impact on our health.

One such disease that affects the digestive system, especially the colon, is Colitis. An apt introduction to Colitis is that it is a term used to describe the inflammation of the colon, i.e., the large intestines. It can affect people of all age groups and can result in severe discomfort if left unchecked. Colitis brings about with it an array of collateral damage in the form of other diseases. If you wish to keep this disease at bay, a proper introduction to Colitis and the dangers it presents is a must. So, keep reading.

What is Colitis?

• As mentioned earlier, Colitis is a disease that affects the colon or large intestines.

Recommended Read: Causes of colitis you should know

What are the types of Colitis and their causes?

Colitis manifests itself in different forms and is caused due to different reasons. So, as an introduction to Colitis, here are the different types of Colitis and the causes of the same.

• Ulcerative Colitis- This type of colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease similar to Chron’s disease. What makes this disease formidable is the fact that it is a life-long disease and you need to learn methods to coexist with this condition. Ulcerative Colitis is characterized by the presence of bleeding ulcers and inflammation along the inner lining of the large intestines. It begins in the rectum and spreads to the colon.
• Ischemic Colitis- Ischemic Colitis occurs when the flow of blood to the colon is obstructed or suddenly cut off. Blood clots are the primary culprit in such cases. Also, fatty deposits or Atherosclerosis in the blood vessels contribute to the worsening of the condition.
• Pseudomembranous Colitis- Pseudomembranous Colitis is a condition where the “good” bacteria that reside in the colon are outnumbered by the ‘bad’ bacteria. The growth of Clostridium difficile is controlled by the presence of ‘good’ bacteria, and when the healthy bacteria is wiped out due to consumption of antibiotics, the bad bacteria releases toxins which results in inflammation.

The symptoms of colitis

Whenever a disease infects the body, the body displays an array of symptoms which are indicative of the underlying condition. An introduction to colitis will not be complete without acquainting people with the symptoms of the same. So, here are the symptoms which appear when a person suffers from colitis.

• Sudden weight loss
• Presence of blood in the stool
• Diarrhea with or without blood
• Severe pain in the abdomen
• Vomiting
• Bloating in the abdomen

Recommended Read: 6 risk factors that can cause colitis

The purpose of this introduction to colitis is to create an awareness among people regarding this disease, and ensuring that they receive timely medication when they suffer from the same.