Hawaii Gastroenterology Specialists
Gastroenterology located in Aiea, HI & Honolulu, HI
Like your skin, the lining of your digestive tract is susceptible to injury, which may lead to inflammation known as colitis. If you’re experiencing abdominal pain or bloody stools, it’s a good idea to make an appointment at Hawaii Gastroenterology Specialists. The experts can diagnose and treat colitis so you can get relief. Call today or schedule an appointment online at either office conveniently located in Honolulu and Aiea, Hawaii.
Colitis Q & A
What is Colitis?Colitis refers to the inflammation of your colon, which can be due to any number of causes.
Some of the more common causes of colitis include:
- Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- Infection or food poisoning
- Lack of blood flow to the colon
- A side effect of treatment for colon cancer
Knowing the cause of your colitis can help the experts at Hawaii Gastroenterology Specialists identify the best course of treatment for you.
What are the Symptoms of Colitis?Symptoms of colitis vary and may be similar to other digestive problems, such as food intolerance or irritable bowel syndrome. Common symptoms that may indicate colitis include:
- Diarrhea, sometimes bloody
- Fever
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Need to be near a bathroom for an urgent bowel movement
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, an expert at Hawaii Gastroenterology Specialists can examine you and conduct testing to determine the cause. Specialized testing may include a CT scan of the abdomen, MRI, or barium enema. They may also test your stool for bacteria.
How is Colitis Treated?Treatment of your colitis depends on the cause. Some types can be cured, such as colitis caused by infection, while other types can only be managed, like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. If the inflammation is caused by an infection, your doctor at Hawaii Gastroenterology Specialists may prescribe an antibiotic to eliminate the cause of the infection and improve colon health.
For a severely damaged bowel, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected part of your colon.
For ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, long-term management is necessary to reduce the risk of inflammation and pain.
What is Ulcerative Colitis?Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and ulcerations in the inner lining of your large intestines and your rectum.
Ulcerative colitis is categorized into types based on the location of the inflammation:
- Ulcerative proctitis: inflammation in the anus
- Proctosigmoiditis: inflammation in the lower part of the colon
- Pancolitis: inflammation that affects the entire colon
- Left-sided colitis: inflammation in the rectum, sigmoid, and descending colon
There’s no cure for ulcerative colitis, but your doctor at Hawaii Gastroenterology Specialists can offer treatment to help manage the condition.
Treatment options may include anti-inflammatory medication or immune-suppressing drugs that work to reduce inflammation. Anti-diarrheal, antibiotics, and pain relievers may also help relieve the symptoms caused by ulcerative colitis.
If you think you might have colitis, call Hawaii Gastroenterology Specialists or book an appointment online with Hawaii’s premier gastroenterologists.