Colitis

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Specialists at Houston Methodist Lynda K. and David M. Underwood Center for Digestive Health are experts in conditions of the colon. We offer custom regimens to treat your gut discomfort.

 

Colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease of the colon (large intestine) triggered by an autoimmune response to various causes. The body’s immune system reacts to bacterial infection and works to fight it. Though a natural response to infection, this process can irritate the lining of the colon. Repeated irritation causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the group of organs responsible for proper digestion. 

 

Your doctors can confirm a diagnosis of colitis when specific markers are present in the large intestine. 

 

An accurate examination is critical to a colitis diagnosis. Left undiagnosed, the disease can cause complications that may require surgery to repair.

Compassionate Approach to Care

Colitis can affect anyone at any age. Schedule an appointment at the first sign of GI discomfort and anytime it occurs on a regular or constant basis. 

 

Specialists at the Underwood Center take a research-backed approach to medical care. Houston Methodist Hospital is ranked No. 7 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for Gastroenterology & GI Surgery. U.S. News & World Report has also named Houston Methodist Hospital the No. 1 hospital in Texas every year since the award began and one of the nation’s best as a nationally ranked Honor Roll hospital.

 

Our doctors specialize in colitis and have access to state-of-the-art equipment and clinical trials. We use the most advanced diagnostic tools to identify the cause of your symptoms and collaborate on a plan for treatment. Potential tests and equipment include a(n):

  • Blood tests
  • Biopsy – examination of a tissue sample
  • Colonoscopy – procedure that tests for colon inflammation, colon polyps, colon cancer
  • Computerized tomography – (X-ray) scan of the abdomen
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy – rectal examination with a tube and an attached light and camera
  • Intestinal ultrasound – ultrasound of the large and small intestine
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdomen
  • Stool culture – check for bacterial infection

Colitis Conditions We Treat

There are several types of colitis disease. Treatment depends on the symptoms and severity of each condition. Our multidisciplinary team of medical professionals handles the following:

 

Colitis Causes, Symptoms, Treatments & Prevention

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