Collagenous Colitis & Lymphocytic Colitis Treated by Expert Doctors at Mercy in Baltimore

Collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis, often referred to as microscopic colitis, are inflammatory conditions of the colon. These conditions may result from an autoimmune response in which the immune system damages healthy cells of the colon for unknown reasons.

Symptoms of collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis include:

• Chronic watery, non-bloody diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Cramps

Collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis are diagnosed by microscopic examination of several tissue samples taken from the large intestine lining. Collagenous colitis has an abnormally large, or thickened, protein band, called collegen, inside the colon lining whereas lymphocytic colitis has an increase in white blood cells, known as lymphocytes, between the cells lining the colon. To obtain these tissue samples to diagnose collagenous colitis or lymphocytic colitis, a colonoscopy or a flexible sigmoidoscopy is performed. 

Treatment of collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis begins with dietary changes, followed by medication. If those treatment options do not relieve symptoms of collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis, surgery may be recommended to remove the inflamed portions of the colon, although this approach is rarely needed.