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Colitis

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Definition:

Colitis is an inflammation of the large intestine (colon).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Colitis is an inflammation of the large intestine that can be caused by many different disease processes. These processes include acute and chronic infections, inflammatory disorders (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's colitis, lymphocytic and collagenous colitis), lack of blood flow (ischemic colitis), and history of radiation to the large bowel.

For more information about a specific type of colitis see:

• Pseudomembranous colitis
• Crohn's disease (regional enteritis)
• Ulcerative colitis
• Ischemic colitis
• Necrotizing enterocolitis
• Cryptosporidium enterocolitis
• CMV colitis (a viral infection of the colon)

• Review Date: 5/4/2006
• Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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