Abdominal pain and bloating. Bloody stools. These could appear either dark, tar like or red. Fever and/or chills. Diarrhea and/or dehydration.

Bacterial infection: The lab will analyze stool samples to identify the bacteria causing the infection. They may also test for your white blood cell count, which is usually increased if you have inflammation or infection. [7] X Research source IBD: If your doctor suspects inflammatory bowel disease, the lab may do a blood test for anemia (low red blood cells) or signs of infection. [8] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source They may also analyze stool samples rule out other causes or check for the presence of white blood cells in your stool, which points to colitis. You may also need a colonoscopy, biopsy, or imaging scans to rule out other conditions or determine the extent of inflammation. [9] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source

Bacterial: food poisoning from Escherichia coli, Shigella, or Salmonella. Viral: cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Parasitic: Entamoeba histolytica.

Watery or bloody diarrhea Abdominal cramps and pain Fever Pus or mucus in your stool Nausea/loss of appetite Dehydration

Cramping Irregular or bloody bowel movements Weight loss Fever or sweats Fatigue

Abdominal pain, tenderness or cramping (sudden or gradual) Bright red or maroon-colored blood in your stool Rectal bleeding without stool Urgent bowel movements Diarrhea

Vomiting Diarrhea Delayed bowel movements Distended and/or tender stomach A decrease in bowel sounds Erythema (redness) of the stomach in advanced stages Bloody stool Sleep apnea (stopping breathing during sleep) Lethargy Trouble breathing

Aminosalicylates target colon inflammation, but are less effective at treating the small intestine. These drugs are usually used to treat mild to moderate colitis. Sulfasalazine is effective, but side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn, and headache. Corticosteroids fight inflammation, but suppress all immune response instead of focusing on the colon. These drugs (prednisone, methylprednisolone) are used for moderate to severe colitis. Side effects include weight gain, excessive facial hair growth, mood swings, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, bone fractures, cataracts, glaucoma, and an increased risk of infection. Azathioprine and mercaptopurine act slowly, so they’re usually prescribed alongside a corticosteroid. Immunomodulators, like corticosteroids, suppress immune response to calm inflammation. They’re usually used only when aminosalicylates and corticosteroids have failed. Cyclosporine is a very strong medication that begins to work within one or two weeks. Since it is so strong and comes with a range of severe side effects, it is generally only prescribed until less toxic medications can take effect. Infliximab and adalimumab fight intestinal inflammation specifically. Infliximab can cause problems in people with cancer or a history of heart disease.

Antibiotics can treat abscesses of fistulas (abnormal connections between organs or vessels) seen in Crohn’s Disease and usually occurring in the small intestine. [19] X Research source Tell your doctor if you develop a fever, which could indicate infection.

They’re also known as anti-TNF agents. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a naturally produced chemical responsible for inflammation. Biologic therapies produce antibodies that attach themselves to the TNF, so that it can be destroyed by the body. Your doctor must test you for tuberculosis before you can begin TNF.

The only way to cure colitis completely is to have a total colectomy performed. Since a total colectomy can come with adverse side effects (like small bowel obstruction), though, a partial colectomy is sometimes done instead. The surgeon may also opt to perform a procedure that links the small intestine to the anus, thereby producing more normal bowel function.

Caution: If you have a C. diff infection and use Imodium for more three days to try to stop diarrhea, you will be retaining dangerous toxins caused by C. diff which can seriously effect the kidneys, liver and intestines, etc. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/6/64/Cure-Colitis-Step-14-Version-2. jpg/v4-460px-Cure-Colitis-Step-14-Version-2. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/6/64/Cure-Colitis-Step-14-Version-2. jpg/aid3781466-v4-728px-Cure-Colitis-Step-14-Version-2. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">

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Dairy can make symptoms dramatically worse, especially if you are lactose intolerant. When you do have dairy, take an enzyme product that can help break down the problematic lactose in dairy. Avoid high fiber foods (fruits and vegetables), or cook them to break down the fiber. Cut out gas-producing foods (carbonated drinks or caffeine), as well as fatty, greasy, or fried foods. Instead, eat digestible, bland foods like clear soup, crackers, toast, bananas, rice, and applesauce. [28] X Research source If you’re actively vomiting, you should stick with clear liquids alone until you can hold them down.

Water is the best option. Try to drink six to eight 8-oz (250-ml) glasses of water daily to maximize your colon health. Avoid beverages that can dehydrate you, like those containing alcohol and caffeine. Caffeine also stimulates the intestines, often worsening symptoms in the process. Carbonated drinks can agitate symptoms by producing gas.

While multivitamins might be able to help you supplement missing nutrients, do not rely on multivitamins instead of actual food and drink. Multivitamins do not provide your body with the protein and calories it needs to run.

Mild to moderate exercise (jogging, cycling) can quickly and dramatically reduce your stress levels. You could also try yoga, meditation, or other exercises that ask you to focus on your breathing. If none of these options help or seem appealing, you could simply set aside a little time each day to do something you enjoy. That one simple action, in itself, can reduce your stress levels.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), in particular, have been known to cause flare-ups of colitis. [36] X Research source

Some evidence suggests that aloe vera might help as an anti-inflammatory, but the evidence is weak at best. Like fish oil, it’s a known laxative. Acupuncture is used to treat a variety of conditions involving pain and inflammation. Always go to a licensed, rather than amateur, acupuncture specialist when trying this treatment. Turmeric has a compound called curcumin. When used in conjunction with other colitis therapies, some evidence suggests that this compound can improve symptoms.