Colitis in Denver, CO
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Find a ProviderWhat is colitis?
Colitis is a disease that refers to the overall inflammation of the mucosal lining of the large bowel. Although ulcerative colitis is oftentimes referred to as colitis, these are actually two different conditions. There are multiple types of colitis, in addition to other specific problems, that may cause inflammation in the large intestine. Some common forms of colitis include:
- Microscopic colitis: Results in persistent loose diarrhea
- Ischemic (ischaemic) colitis: An effect of restricted blood flow
- Infectious colitis (food poisoning): A result of ingestion of viruses and bacteria
- IBD colitis (ulcerative colitis): Leads to discomfort and inflammation of the intestinal tract
The skilled providers at Colorado Gastroenterology are here to address the different forms of colitis as well as additional GI problems. To obtain care for colitis in Denver, CO, or to review your treatment choices, please request a consultation at a location near you now.
What causes colitis?
There are many different reasons why the inside lining of the large bowel might be swollen. Some of the most common causes include:
- Allergic reactions
- Crohn’s disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Reduction of blood supply to the colon (ischemia)
- Invasion of the intestinal wall with protein or white blood cells
- Infection (as a result of parasites in the body)
- Particular nonprescription and prescription drugs (frequent medicines causing colitis are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and mycophenolate
Whatever the reason for your colitis, you can find a provider at Colorado Gastroenterology who is ready to treat your illness.
What are the signs of colitis?
Signs of possible colitis are:
- Depression
- Blood in the stool
- Eye inflammation
- Watery, loose stool (with or without blood in bowel movement)
- Abnormal bathroom habits (including constant urge to have a bowel movement)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Sores in the mouth
- Fatigue
- Abdominal tenderness
- Discomfort in/of the joints or abdomen (colon) that may occur in cycles or be persistent
- Sores on the intestinal tract
- Cramping
- Higher than normal body temperature and/or chills (indicators of infection)
If you are experiencing any of the listed issues consistently, please contact us and get support from our group of Denver, CO gastroenterology specialists.
What are the treatments for colitis?
Common treatments used for all types of colitis frequently involve:
- Rehydration of the body (orally or using an IV)
- Normalizing vital signs
- Common IBD medications
- Changes to your diet
- Pain-relieving medications
Depending on the reason for the colitis, treatment options might vary.
- Microscopic colitis: In certain cases, the body is capable of healing on its own. It can also be treated using anti-diarrheal medication as well as some corticosteroids, adjustment of dietary intake, and less frequently, surgical procedures.
- Infections: When bacteria is the cause of infection, antibiotics could be prescribed. If the infection is caused by a virus, then hydrating the body and letting time pass would be the ideal way to address the colitis.
- Ischemic colitis: The normal treatment for ischemic colitis is to rehydrate your body using intravenous solutions and allow the intestines to heal. If blood circulation is not restored to the colon, then a surgical operation could be recommended to remove those parts of the colon that suffered the loss of blood flow.
- IBD: If the inflammation is a result of ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, then NSAID drugs can be used at first and immunosuppressants could be added if needed. A surgical procedure might be required based on the severity of the colitis.
When should I find a physician for colitis?
You should see a gastroenterologist if you suffer from diarrhea that persists for more than two weeks, have blood in your stool, dehydration or fever, or unusual abdominal pain that worsens over time. When you are seeking a doctor to help improve or manage colitis, you can find a board-certified GI provider through Colorado Gastroenterology. Staying on the cutting edge of the latest treatments for colitis and numerous other gastroenterological disorders, our specialists render patient-centered treatment that allows for optimal health to be achieved. To receive specialized colitis treatment in Denver, CO, we encourage you to request a consultation with a GI location near you.
Expert care for treating your Colitis
If you have found yourself struggling with the uncomfortable symptoms of colitis and are searching for relief, look no further than the caring GI specialists at Colorado Gastroenterology. Our knowledgeable providers strive to give you the individualized care you deserve while guiding you on the road to the best GI health possible. To find help for treating your colitis in Denver, CO, reach out to one of our providers at a location near you to request a consultation without delay.
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Dr. Rufner surprised me with his attentiveness and listening skills. He took his time making me feel extremely comfortable and confident in my care plan. He told me his goal is to make me feel empowered.
Dr Trouillot is the best. Very attentive, knowledgeable, and easy to talk to. Highly recommend
I have had ulcerative colitis for about 20 years. I was diagnosed when I was in 4th grade. Over those two decades, I have had doctors who don’t take into account how I am doing. Just what my test results say. Dr. Rufner is not one of those doctors. Of course, he relies on test results, but he also values my own personal feelings a lot. He is also VERY up to date on the latest science and has some well-informed suggestions on how I can best manage my condition. I would absolutely recommend Dr. Rufner to anyone looking for help!
My visit Dr. Sieja went well. He listened to my symptoms and history to provide me options. I left feeling confident about the next steps in my care plan.
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