Colitis is simply inflammation of the large intestine usually resulting in pain, diarrhea and sometimes fever. There are many different causes for colitis -Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis have their own sections. Some other causes of Colitis include: infectious, ischemic and pseudomembranous. Infectious colitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, and starts with bloody or watery, liquid stool. Ischemic colitis is caused by a lack of blood flow to a segment of the colon, almost like a stroke or heart attack, but usually less dangerous. It presents with cramping followed by fresh blood. Treatment is usually supportive, but occasionally will require surgery. Pseudomembranous colitis results when bacteria "takes over" after the good bacteria in the colon are killed off with antibiotics. Fortunately, it can be treated with special antibiotics, and the good bacteria return over time.
Increasing your daily water intake is one of the easiest ways to improve your digestive health. Water helps dissolve substances in the GI tract to allow for a smoother passage.
Dr. Powell states he chose to practice Gastroenterology, “to treat a wide scope of different problems and afflictions and using modern treatment to help these patients feel better.”
