Microscopic colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the colon that causes persistent watery diarrhea, often accompanied by abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, and sometimes weight loss or fatigue. Unlike other inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis, it doesn’t cause visible ulcers or bleeding and can only be diagnosed through a biopsy of colon tissue viewed under a microscope. There are two main types: collagenous colitis (characterized by a thickened collagen band in the colon lining) and lymphocytic colitis (marked by an increased number of lymphocytes in the lining).

Key Points:

• Causes: Not fully understood, but potential triggers include autoimmune conditions, certain medications (e.g., NSAIDs, PPIs, SSRIs), smoking, infections, or genetic factors.
• Diagnosis: Requires colonoscopy with biopsies, as the colon appears normal during the procedure.
• Treatment:
  • Symptom management: Anti-diarrheal drugs (e.g., loperamide), bismuth subsalicylate.
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs: Budesonide (a corticosteroid) is commonly prescribed.
  • Lifestyle changes: Avoiding trigger foods (e.g., dairy, caffeine), quitting smoking, and managing stress.
  • In severe cases, immunosuppressive drugs may be used.
• Prognosis: Generally manageable with treatment, though symptoms may flare up periodically. It’s not associated with an increased risk of colon cancer.

Additional Notes:

• It’s more common in older adults (especially women over 50) but can affect anyone.
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Disclaimer: owerl is not a doctor; please consult one.