Collagenous Colitis Vs. Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a condition that can strike almost anyone at any time in life. It is characterized by ulcers and inflammation. Treatment consists of diet, steroids, anti-inflammatory drugs or, in very severe cases, surgery. People first know they have the condition by diarrhea, fever, severe cramping and at times blood.

Collagenous colitis primarily hits women in the fifth decade of life and is characterized by loose and watery stools. Much of the indicators that collagenous colitis exists is the same as ulcerative colitis. The symptoms are abdominal tenderness, blood in the stool, cramping, fever and diarrhea.

The treatment for collagenous colitis is much the same as that for ulcerative colitis (which I have.)

The first thing that is tried is a change in diet and lifestyle, particularly animal fats. Next, if that is not effective, anti-inflammatory drugs are used. Steroids are used when necessary. Rarely is surgery necessary. Collagenous colitis is often self-limiting and is less of a problem (it is certainly a milder condition on stand) than ulcerative colitis.

The main symptom with collagenous colitis is diarrhea.

With two diseases so close in possible symptoms, not to mention treatment as collagenous colitis and ulcerative colitis, how is the difference attested to.

From the symptoms alone there is no way. The only way to know for sure is for a colonoscopy, or a scope of the bowel to be performed. The existence of ulcers will tell what condition is in existence.

One major difference in collagenous colitis and ulcerative colitis is that ulcerative colitis can increase a person's chances of getting colon cancer while collagenous colitis does not present that problem. In most all respects it is self-limiting and an illness unto itself.

There are major similarities in how to take care of one's bowel. Certainly plenty of fluids and exercise are helpful as well as fiber. Metamucil is an aid in this regard. After age 35, one should at least get a stool "card" completed and after age forty an annual colonoscopy is smart.