Colitis

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Colitis

Definition

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

Causes

Colitis can have many different causes, including:

Acute and chronic infections
Inflammatory disorders (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's colitis, lymphocytic and collagenous colitis)
Lack of blood flow (ischemic colitis)
Past radiation to the large bowel

For more information about a specific type of colitis see:

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


Ulcerative colitis


Large intestine

Review Date: 2/20/2008
Reviewed By: Christian Stone, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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