Q What is colitis? Why does it occur?
A Colitis is a condition in which inflammation occurs in the colon mucosa, with abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever as the main symptoms. It is divided into infectious, ischemic, and autoimmune types depending on the cause, and immune imbalance and changes in the intestinal environment are known as the main mechanisms.
Detailed Answer
When inflammation occurs in the colon, the mucosa is damaged, causing abdominal pain, diarrhea, mucous stools, and fever. Causes include bacterial or viral infection, circulatory disorder (ischemia), autoimmune abnormalities (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), and post-radiation damage. CRP and ESR rise in blood tests, and mucosal inflammation is confirmed by colonoscopy.
Oriental Medicine Perspective
In Korean medicine, mechanisms such as large intestinal cold fear (大腸怕寒) or liver heat (肝熱) that cause organ imbalance are emphasized. When heat (熱) and dampness (濕) accumulate in the large intestine, inflammation worsens and bowel movements become irregular. Treatment stabilizes the intestinal mucosal environment through heat-clearing (淸熱) and dampness-transforming (化濕).
Related FAQs
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Q
I'm a man in my 40s working office hours. Can I live normally even with chronic colitis?
#Possibility / Realistic Goals
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I was diagnosed with colitis but have few symptoms. Do I still need treatment?
#Possibility / Realistic Goals
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Q
I heard colitis can affect the skin too. Is that true?
#Comorbidities
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Are colitis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) different? Can I have both?
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Can I exercise during colitis? What kind of exercise helps?
#Lifestyle Management