What is Lymphocytic Colitis?
Lymphocytic colitis is the inflammation of the colon that causes persistent non-bloody diarrhea. This is considered a rare condition that seems to provide us a normal colonoscopy result, but shall only reveal its presentation with a mucosal biopsy. Lymphocytic colitis is interconnected with collagenous colitis, a condition that has the same features as with lymphocytic colitis. Both are subtypes of the microscopic colitis, as these conditions are identified or diagnosed by taking a tissue sample for a microscope analysis. The condition is said not to be decisively known, for again its rarity. It has been noted that about 10% of those who suffer chronic diarrhea are believed to be suffering from this lymphocytic colitis. According to epidemiological report, lymphocytic colitis commonly affects those people aging from 60 to 80 years. But rare cases place the young, such as the children, to be affected with this condition. As reported, women are more affected than men.
The condition can be diagnosed through these tests:
Lymphocytic Colitis Symptoms
As already mentioned, this disease process involves inflammation of the colon thus resulting to bowel irritation. This can be discomforting for the part of the affected and can be energy-wasting at the same time. Presently, here are the manifestations of lymphocytic colitis include the following:
- Non-bloody, chronic, watery diarrhea that can possibly cause for dehydration
- Abdominal cramps and bloating
- Sudden weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fecal incontinence
Causes of Lymphocytic Colitis
Lymphocytic colitis is caused by the mere inflammation of the colon, but the etiology of the condition is yet being understood. Primarily, it is caused by the increased levels of the lymphocytes or white blood cell in the colon. Others believed, according to theories, that a bacterial agent has triggered the disease process – for toxins can irritate the lining of a person’s colon. A viral agent is also identified as precipitating factor for lymphocytic colitis those who are immunocompromised are somehow greatly affected for their defenses are weaker and that place them susceptible to infections or inflammations.
Those at risk for this condition are the people who take medications such as the Clozaril, Comtan, Nexium and Prevacid. NSAIDs also place a person at risk for microscopic colitis. The elderly are also noted to be at risk for developing lymphocytic colitis.
Lymphocytic Colitis Treatment
The aim for the treatment course of lymphocytic colitis is to relieve the discomfort of the affected. Here are some of the medical remedies for the condition:
Surgical removal of the colon
Partial removal of the affected colon may be necessary in severe cases. This will only be recommended by the doctor when he or she assesses that the condition has gone to its worst.
Anti-diarrheal drugs
This shall control diarrhea and avoid dehydration. Loperamide (the first line drug) is usually prescribed along with bismuth subsalicylate (second line) and Lomotil.
Antispasmodics
This can relive the abdominal cramping complained by the client. Hyoscyamine is an agent usually prescribed by doctors.
Cholestyramine
Cholestyramine is a generic drug that would assist in the treatment process of lymphocytic colitis by absorbing some bile acids that can cause for further diarrhea.
Corticosteroids
These can help in reducing the inflammation and help control the discomfort of the affected. Prednisone and budesonide are prescribed by the doctor more frequently.
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Topical anti-inflammatory drugs
This can reduce the inflammation process. The topical form is much more recommended than the oral form, because of its possibility to result for gastric upset.
Immunosuppressants
These can reduce the activity of inflammation and relax the colon inflammation. These drugs would include methotrexate and azathioprine.
Lymphocytic Colitis Diet
The patients’ recommended diet should be complied properly in order to attain a good result. Once he or she is diagnosed with colitis, there is a need to follow this strict diet regimen:
Low fat, low fiber diet
This is to avoid gastric irritation and stimulate for more diarrheal episodes. It is known that fat and increased fiber diet can stimulate bowel movement.
Avoid taking NSAIDs
This is because of its effect to the colon and its contribution to the development of colitis.
Increase oral fluid intake
As a person is at risk for dehydration (constant or chronic diarrhea’s complication), he or she should replace the fluid losses. Providing the client with ORS every after a loose-bowel episode is in action.
Eat easy-to-digest foods
These foods are recommended as we need to avoid the stimulation of the gastric system. What happens with hard-to-digest foods is that there shall be more effort exerted by the gastric system, making it a difficult situation and causing another problem. As low-fiber diet is not recommended at first, we need to wean the client slowly so that no abrupt change can harm the colon.
Avoid irritating foods and avoid lactose-rich diet
These foods include the spicy, fatty and fried foods. These can only stimulate irritation and for more diarrheal episodes. Milk can place a patient to more episodes of diarrhea most especially if he or she is lactose-intolerant.
