Simply put, the definition of infectious colitis is when an infectious agent causes inflammation in the colon. Infectious colitis generally isn’t a serious condition; however, symptoms could worsen in some cases. And the treatment for colitis isn’t extensive, so most people recover without issue, even though seeing a medical professional in Jacksonville is sometimes needed.
Causes for Infectious Colitis
Some of the infectious agents that can cause infectious colitis include the rotavirus, Norwalk virus and cytomegalovirus. There aren’t many things people can do to prevent getting infectious colitis. However, it’s important to go see a doctor for treatment for colitis as soon as you recognize any symptoms.
Main Symptoms
With infectious colitis, patients can expect to suffer from fever, diarrhea, dehydration and possibly blood in their stool. Patients may feel bloating or cramping as a result of the infectious agent creating a large amount of gas in the intestines. The main issue with these symptoms is stools are very watery, so the potential of dehydration increases significantly. It’s important for patients to stay hydrated as much as possible with infectious colitis in order to prevent complications.
Treatment Options
When it comes to treatment for infectious colitis, medical professionals will likely just provide a patient with plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, as well as some medication to control fever and pain. Antibiotics may help some patients, but most of the time the infection just has to run its course.
Infectious colitis seems like a serious condition when you consider the symptoms, but as long as patients do their best to stay hydrated, there shouldn’t be a risk of the condition becoming critical.
Infectious colitis can be serious if not monitored and treated properly. If you or a loved one are showing signs of infectious colitis, visit the Digestive Disease Consultants website or call 904-388-8686 to set up an appointment.
