lymphocytic colitis

Lymphocytic Colitis: An Overview

Lymphocytic colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the large intestine, also known as the colon. The condition is characterized by inflammation of the colon with white blood cells called lymphocytes.

• Symptoms: The main symptom of lymphocytic colitis is chronic, watery diarrhea, which can occur as often as five to 10 times per day [3][6].
• Inflammation: Lymphocytic colitis involves inflammation of the large intestine with lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell [5].
• Types of IBD: Lymphocytic colitis is one of the types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that involve inflammation of the colon [4].

Causes and Effects

The exact underlying cause of lymphocytic colitis is still unknown. However, it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues in the colon.

• Chronic diarrhea: Lymphocytic colitis can lead to persistent, watery diarrhea [7].
• Belly pain: Episodes of belly pain are also common in individuals with lymphocytic colitis [1][6].

References

[1] Context result 1: Lymphocytic colitis is inflammation of your large intestine. It causes episodes of watery diarrhea and belly pain. [3] Context result 3: The main symptom of collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis is chronic, watery diarrhea, as often as five to 10 watery bowel movements per day. [4] Context result 4: Collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis are types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that involve inflammation of the colon. [5] Context result 5: Lymphocytic colitis results when your large intestine becomes inflamed with white blood cells, called lymphocytes. [6] Context result 6: Lymphocytic colitis is inflammation of your large intestine. It causes episodes of watery diarrhea and belly pain. [7] Context result 7: Apr 20, 2023 — Lymphocytic colitis is a type of microscopic colitis that causes persistent, watery diarrhea.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Lymphocytic Colitis

Lymphocytic colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), can cause a range of symptoms that affect the digestive system and overall health. Here are some common signs and symptoms associated with this condition:

• Chronic Watery Diarrhea: The main symptom of lymphocytic colitis is chronic, watery diarrhea, which can occur as often as five to 10 times per day [4].
• Abdominal Pain and Bloating: People with lymphocytic colitis may experience belly pain and bloating, which can be uncomfortable and affect daily activities [5].
• Weight Loss and Dehydration: As the condition progresses, individuals may lose weight due to malabsorption of nutrients and experience dehydration from excessive diarrhea [5].
• Fatigue and Nausea: Fatigue and nausea are common symptoms of lymphocytic colitis, making it difficult for people to maintain their usual energy levels and daily routines [5].
• Joint Pain and Stiffness: Some individuals may also experience joint pain and stiffness (arthritis) as a secondary symptom of lymphocytic colitis [1].

It's essential to note that these symptoms can vary in severity and duration, and some people may not experience all of them. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References: [1] - Context result 1 [4] - Context result 4 [5] - Context results 5 and 8

Diagnostic Tests for Lymphocytic Colitis

Lymphocytic colitis, a type of microscopic colitis, can be diagnosed through various tests and examinations. Here are some of the diagnostic tests used to diagnose this condition:

• Blood tests: Blood tests may be ordered to check for anemia, infection, or other underlying conditions that could be contributing to lymphocytic colitis ([3][4]). These tests include a complete blood cell count, metabolic profile, thyroid profile, and stool studies.
• Stool analysis: Stool analysis can help diagnose inflammation or infection in the colon, which is often associated with lymphocytic colitis ([3][9]).
• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy may be performed to examine the inside of the colon and rectum. During this procedure, a small tissue sample (biopsy) may be taken from the colon wall for examination under a microscope ([5][6][7][8]). This is considered the most accurate way to diagnose lymphocytic colitis.
• Endoscopy and biopsy: Endoscopy with biopsy is another diagnostic method used to examine the inside of the colon and rectum, and to collect tissue samples for further examination ([9]).

It's worth noting that a thorough history and physical examination are also essential in diagnosing lymphocytic colitis. A healthcare provider will take a detailed medical history and perform a physical exam to rule out other potential causes of symptoms ([4]).

Treatment Options for Lymphocytic Colitis

Lymphocytic colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), can be effectively managed with various drug treatments. The primary goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms.

• Over-the-counter (OTC) antidiarrheal drugs: Medications like loperamide or diphenoxylate can help manage diarrhea, a common symptom of lymphocytic colitis [3].
• Bismuth Subsalicylate: This medication has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to treat symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain [3].
• Biologic medicines: Infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira), or vedolizumab (Entyvio) can reduce swelling and irritation in the digestive tract, providing relief from symptoms [4].
• Thiopurines: These medications, such as azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine, are often used to treat lymphocytic colitis, especially when other treatments have failed [7].
• Anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) drugs: Medications like vedolizumab can be effective in reducing inflammation and improving symptoms [5].

Other Treatment Options

In addition to these medications, other treatment options may include:

• Budesonide: This steroid medication has been shown to effectively induce clinical remission in patients with lymphocytic colitis and improve histology results after 6 weeks [8].
• Mesalazine (5-ASA): An anti-inflammatory drug that can be taken orally, mesalazine is often used to treat symptoms of lymphocytic colitis [9].

Important Considerations

It's essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment planning. They will help determine the best course of treatment based on individual needs and medical history.

References: [3] - Over-the-counter (OTC) antidiarrheal drugs, such as loperamide or diphenoxylate. [4] - Biologic medicines, such as infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira) or vedolizumab (Entyvio). [5] - Recommended treatment includes thiopurines, anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) drugs, or vedolizumab in patients with budesonide-refractory lymphocytic colitis. [7] - Azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine, and methotrexate are probably the most appropriate choices. [8] - Budesonide effectively induces clinical remission in patients with lymphocytic colitis and significantly improves histology results after 6 weeks. [9] - Steroid drugs are used to treat inflammation. Mesalazine (also known as 5-ASA) is an anti-inflammatory drug which is often taken by mouth.

Differential Diagnosis of Lymphocytic Colitis

Lymphocytic colitis, a type of microscopic colitis, requires a comprehensive differential diagnosis to rule out other conditions that may present with similar symptoms. The following are some of the key differential diagnoses for lymphocytic colitis:

• Resolving phase of infectious colitis: A study on epidemic chronic diarrhea found that lymphocytic colitis can be mistaken for the resolving phase of infectious colitis [1].
• Collagenous colitis: Although lymphocytic colitis and collagenous colitis share identical symptoms, they are distinct conditions with different underlying mechanisms [4].
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): IBD, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, can present with similar symptoms to lymphocytic colitis, making differential diagnosis crucial [6][7].
• Ischemic colitis: Ischemic colitis, caused by reduced blood flow to the colon, can also mimic the symptoms of lymphocytic colitis [7].
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-associated injury: Long-term use of NSAIDs can cause inflammation in the colon, leading to symptoms similar to those of lymphocytic colitis [3].
• Autoimmune diseases: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, and psoriasis have been linked to microscopic colitis, including lymphocytic colitis [8].

References:

[1] - Search result 2 [3] - Search result 3 [4] - Search result 4 [6] - Search result 6 [7] - Search results 7 [8] - Search result 8