Colitis, which is the inflammation of the large intestine (colon), can be caused by various factors. Some of the common causes of colitis include:
- Infections caused by viruses, parasites, or bacteria.
- Inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease.
- Ischemic colitis, which is caused by a lack of blood flow to the colon.
- Past radiation to the large bowel (radiation colitis and strictures) .
- Necrotizing enterocolitis in newborns.
- Pseudomembranous colitis caused by Clostridium difficile infection.
- Inflammatory conditions such as collagenous colitis, microscopic colitis, and lymphocytic colitis.
- Chemical colitis.
Its important to note that the exact cause of colitis is not always known, and in some cases, the cause may remain unidentified. The treatment for colitis depends on the specific cause, and its essential to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.