Microscopic Colitis

by Marcus Peterson

Microscopic colitis is a disease that causes an inflammation of the colon, resulting in chronic diarrhea and occasional abdominal pain. It was given the name "microscopic colitis" because the inflammation can only be viewed through a microscope.

What causes microscopic colitis?

Research shows that microscopic colitis is a result of the immune system attacking bacteria living in the colon. Scientists are still unsure, however, about what instigates the attack to these bacteria. It is suggested that consumption of certain antibiotics or certain types of foods may trigger the attack. It is likewise believed that the body's immune system attacks non-foreign elements in the intestine after erroneously identifying them as foreign

elements. Why this anomaly happens is uncertain.

Tests have also suggested that a certain gene present in the body may be the cause of the attack, but due to the lack of consistency in the results, there is no conclusion that can be drawn from the test.

Studies have also suggested that estrogen could be the cause of microscopic colitis. Research has yielded convincing findings that there are more women affected by this disease than men, and that these women are usually affected much later their in life when the supply of estrogen in the body is much higher.

Although it is not the actual cause of microscopic colitis, the body's reaction to glutinous food products could be the trigger for the inflammation of the colon.

Gluten is the protein found in wheat, barley, rye and oats.

Treatment and prevention

The first step of treatment for microscopic colitis is the modification of the diet. The patient is usually asked to stick to gluten-free foods.

A new medical process is being developed to rid the body of immunogenic strains of bacteria that cause microscopic colitis. The process involves replacing these bacteria with good bacteria called lactobacilli.

Colitis provides detailed information on Colitis, Ulcerative Colitis, Colitis Symptoms, Ischemic Colitis and more. Colitis is affiliated with Crohns Disease Diet.

Other Articles:

Hair Loss Treatment & Natural Hair Loss Prevention
One of the most effective hair loss treatment options involves safe, natural ways to stop the loss of hair as well as promote new hair growth, without the potential adverse reactions of prescription medications. There are a number of natural vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts and...

Crohn's or Colitis?
In the realm of disorders that affect the digestive tract there is often some confusion over diagnosing specific conditions. Many of these disorders tend to overlap in terms of symptoms and signs. Since it is often difficult to distinguish one form of irritable bowel disease (IBD) from...

FAQ's Relating to Crohn's Disease
When a person is first informed that he has Crohn’s Disease, he will have a lot of questions. He will be frightened and he will become depressed. Simply knowing the answers to his questions can help calm him and soothe him. Question: Is Crohn’s Disease fatal? Am I going to die? ...