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Colitis

Treatment:

Treatment is directed at the underlying cause of disease, whether it be infection, inflammation, lack of blood flow, or another cause.

See particular conditions listed above for specific recommendations.

Expectations (prognosis):

The prognosis varies with each disease. See particular conditions listed above.

Complications:

Colitis may result in bleeding, ulceration, perforation (a hole in the colon), or toxic megacolon .

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms like abdominal pain, abdominal distention, or blood in the stool.

Ulcerative colitis

Large intestine

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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