Colon inflammation develops within the digestive tract and unfortunately can occur due to various pathological conditions. This inflammation can manifest itself with symptoms of varying intensity ranging from mild discomfort to severe abdominal pain and other complications. Inflammation in this organ generally needs to be investigated, as it may be due to various pathological conditions heterogeneous to each other.
Causes of colon inflammation
Inflammation of the colon can be caused by various factors, which are usually classified as infectious, autoimmune, ischaemic and idiopathic. As regards infectious causes, many cases of colonic inflammation are due to infections caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites. Bacterial infections from organisms such as Salmonella, Escherichia coli and Campylobacter can cause significant inflammation of the colon. Similarly, viral infections such as those caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV) or rotavirus can lead to inflammation, particularly in people with compromised immune systems. Parasites, such as Entamoeba histolytica, can also attack the large intestine and cause inflammation, particularly in areas of poor hygiene. At the same time, autoimmune diseases, in particular idiopathic inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, have inflammation of the gut as their main feature. In this case, immune cells attack the wall of the colon, causing not only inflammation but also other unpleasant symptoms. These conditions are not caused by infections, but arise from genetic and environmental factors. Microscopic colitis, another form of inflammation of the colon, is thought to result from a digestive tract infection or certain drugs, but there is no clear aetiology. Inflammation of the bowel can also result from ischemic causes. More specifically, ischaemic colitis occurs when blood flow to the colon is reduced, causing tissue damage and inflammation. This reduced blood flow can be caused by conditions such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), dehydration or a sudden drop in blood pressure. In addition, unhealthy eating habits, such as frequent consumption of processed foods and neglect of foods rich in fibre, can disturb the natural balance of the gut, leading to inflammation. Medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antibiotics can also irritate the colon, leading to inflammation of the gut. Finally, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can aggravate colon inflammation or make people more vulnerable to it.
Symptoms caused by inflammation of the colon
The symptoms caused by inflammation of the colon are usually different depending on the underlying cause and the extent of the inflammation. Common symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain which is often spasmodic and located in the lower abdomen.
- Diarrhoea that can range from mild to severe, and in some cases may contain blood or mucus.
- Bleeding from the rectum that is noticeable in the stool, especially in cases of severe inflammation or ulceration.
- Fatigue and low energy especially if it is chronic inflammation of the bowel.
- Fever if the underlying cause is an infection or if the inflammation is particularly extensive.
- Involuntary weight loss since constant inflammation can interfere with the absorption of nutrients.
Symptoms such as dehydration, dizziness and persistent abdominal pain should be assessed and treated immediately as they may indicate a more serious complication. Inflammation of the colon can lead to serious complications such as dehydration, bowel obstruction or perforation. The patient should see a doctor immediately if the following symptoms have occurred:
- Severe abdominal pain
- High fever
- Persistent bloody diarrhea
- Indications of dehydration, such as dark urine and dry mouth
Treatment options for such type of inflammation
Treatment for inflammation of the colon depends on the underlying cause of the condition and its extent. In the first phase, conservative treatment is attempted, with dietary adjustments and medication. As far as dietary adjustments and modification of certain habits are concerned, the first recommendation is to add more fibre to the daily diet. Also, in cases of active inflammation, it is important to choose easily digestible foods that will not cause further irritation, such as cooked vegetables, boiled or baked potatoes, roast chicken or fish and soft fruits. Drinking enough water is also essential, especially if there is diarrhoea. It may also be helpful to take probiotic supplements, which can help to restore the balance of the intestinal microflora, possibly reducing inflammation. In addition, limiting processed foods, alcohol and caffeine can minimise irritation of the colon. As for the medications that can be taken, the first place is occupied by anti-inflammatory drugs, which are often given to reduce inflammation in inflammatory bowel diseases. Also, antibiotics are prescribed for bacterial infections that cause inflammation of the gut. It is important to complete the antibiotic treatment completely to eliminate the infection. Finally, corticosteroids can be given for short-term relief in severe cases of inflammation, but their use is not recommended for prolonged periods of time due to the side effects of chronic use. In severe cases, particularly if the patient suffers from an idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease or has developed complications such as toxic megacolon, surgery may be required. This usually involves removing the affected part of the colon to relieve symptoms and prevent further complications. In many cases, this operation can be performed laparoscopically (laparoscopic colectomy). This operation is carried out with great care by General Surgeons in Athens who make up the medical team of Colon Rectal.
