Colitis in St. Louis, MO
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Find a ProviderWhat is colitis?
Colitis refers to the overall swelling of the tissue lining of the large intestine. Although ulcerative colitis is sometimes referred to as colitis, they are in fact two different conditions. There are multiple types of colitis that can lead to swelling in the large bowel, as well as other related issues. Some of the common forms of colitis include:
- IBD colitis (ulcerative colitis): Causes discomfort and swelling of the large bowel
- Microscopic colitis: Results in persistent loose bowel movements
- Ischemic (ischaemic) colitis: An outcome of insufficient blood circulation
- Infectious colitis (food poisoning): Due to ingestion of contaminated drinks or food
The talented specialists at a Specialists in Gastroenterology location near you can treat all types of colitis, as well as additional gastrointestinal problems. If you need help with colitis in St. Louis, MO or to explore your care options, we invite you to request a consultation at one of our locations today.
What causes of colitis?
There are many different explanations for why the inner lining of the large intestine could be swollen. The most common reasons are:
- Allergies
- Infection (related to parasites in the digestive system)
- Diminished blood circulation to the large bowel (ischemia)
- Specific OTC and prescription medicines (typical medications contributing to colitis are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and mycophenolate)
- Crohn’s disease
- Invasion of the intestinal lining with protein or white blood cells
- IBD (inflammatory bowel disease)
No matter the reason for your colitis, you will be able to connect with a gastroenterologist at your nearest Specialists in Gastroenterology location who will be able to treat your illness.
What are the symptoms of colitis?
Symptoms of colitis will vary from case to case. The symptoms of colitis can include:
- Blood in the feces
- Cramps
- Unusual bowel habits (such as the persistent urge to eliminate waste)
- Discomfort in/of the joints or abdomen (colon) that might happen periodically or be persistent
- Sores in the lining of the mouth
- Fever and/or chilling (symptoms of infection)
- Rapid weight loss
- Swelling or redness of the eyes
- Loose, watery stool (with or without blood in bowel movement)
- Depression
- Abdominal tenderness
- Fatigue
- Ulcers on the large intestine
What are the treatments for colitis?
Our St. Louis, MO providers will work to recommend the best treatment options for you based on your condition. Common treatments across all forms of colitis could include:
- Hydrating the body (orally or using an IV)
- Altering your diet
- Pain-relieving medications
- Common inflammatory bowel disease drugs
- Normalizing essential body functions
Depending on the reason for the colitis, treatment options could fluctuate.
- IBD: When the reason for the inflammation comes as a result of ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, then NSAID drugs can be recommended at first and immunosuppressants can be added if necessary. Surgery could be required depending to the stage of the colitis.
- Microscopic colitis: In specific instances, an individual's body is capable of healing on its own. It can also be treated using anti-diarrheal drugs and some steroids, alterations to dietary intake, and in rare cases, surgery.
- Infections: When the infection is caused by bacteria, then antibiotics may be the best course of treatment. When the infection is caused by a virus, then keeping the body hydrated and waiting a few days are normally the best ways to alleviate the colitis.
- Ischemic colitis: The normal intervention for ischemic colitis is to hydrate the body using intravenous solutions and let the intestines heal. If blood circulation is not restored to the colon, then a surgical procedure could be used to remove those portions of the large bowel that lost blood supply.
When should I find a specialist for colitis?
You should visit a GI specialist whenever you suffer from loose, watery stool that persists for more than 14 days, stools with blood, dehydration or fever, or irregular stomach discomfort that worsens over time. When you are seeking a specialist to work with you to improve or address colitis, then you should connect with a qualified GI provider at a Specialists in Gastroenterology location near you.
Personalized care for colitis
Staying at the cutting edge of the latest and emerging treatments for colitis and other GI disorders, the Specialists in Gastroenterology physicians provide patient-focused treatment that allows individuals to obtain an improved well-being. To receive specialized colitis treatment in St. Louis, MO, we encourage you to request a consultation with our gastroenterology team.
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Had a colonoscopy today, never pleasant but Dr.Singh made me feel very comfortable. Would highly recommend Dr Singh and her facility (SIG) for any proceedures needed. Everyone there was great and makes you feel at ease from start to finish.
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Everyone on the staff is dedicated to making sure the patient is cared for from the moment they walk in the door until the moment they are taken to their car by wheelchair. Dr. Thyssen is one of the best doctors in St. Louis and I am in good hands with him.
She listened to me and was empathetic.
Clinical excellence + compassion and genuine caring wrapped up into one human being is the best way I can describe Dr. Thyssen. He is a skilled GI doc who listens, asks questions and works with you to make sure you are getting great care. I am a nurse and really picky about the doctors I choose for myself and my family - Dr. Thyssen is fabulous!
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