What Causes Colitis?
While cases of infective or chemical colitis usually have an identifiable cause, many of the other common causes of colitis do not have a clearly established etiology or cause. Researchers believe that the body’s immune system reacts to a virus or bacteria in a way which causes continuous inflammation in the intestinal wall.
Causes of colitis
Various bugs may cause colitis such as bacteria (Salmonella, Shigella species, Campylobacter jejuni and Clostridium) commonly found in food or in contaminated water.
Viruses such as the rotavirus or Norwalk virus can disturb fluid absorption and damage the mucus membrane lining the intestine.
Protozoa such as Entamoeba histolytica may cause acute severe dysentery or chronic mild bowel movements, or there may be no symptoms at all.
Colitis due to E. histolytica, also known as amebiasis, has become an increasingly prevalent infectious cause.
Radiation-associated colitis: Localized areas of colitis may occur after treatment of the pelvic or abdominal region with radiotherapy at various periods.
Irritable bowel syndrome: This is a common disorder of the intestine that leads to cramps, excessive production of gas, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. The cause of irritable bowel syndrome is unknown.
Ischemic colitis: The mechanism of ischemia—massive decrease in the blood supply to the bowel—is not always known, but shunting of blood away from the mucosa is an important contributing factor. This disease often affects the elderly, the severely ill, or others with circulatory disorders.
Antibiotic-associated colitis: This condition usually occurs in people receiving large dose antibiotics, especially after gastrointestinal surgery.
Infectious agents or environmental toxins: No single agent has consistently been associated with either form of inflammatory bowel disease. Viruses have been reported in tissue from people with inflammatory bowel disease, but there is no compelling evidence.
Immune defense mechanisms: Several alterations in immune regulation have been identified in inflammatory bowel disease. However, none of these findings have been specific for either ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
Smoking: Smokers increase their risk of developing Crohn’s disease, and smoking is often a contributing factor in Crohn’s disease
Psychological factors: There is little evidence relating possible emotional factors as a cause of inflammatory bowel disease. Psychological factors may change the course of the disease, as well as your response to therapy.
Tags: Colitis, colitis causes
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