Whether it's a dull ache, sharp cramp or persistent discomfort, most of us have experienced some degree of stomach pain throughout our lives. While something as mild as indigestion, gas, bloating or anxiety about an upcoming test or public speech can all cause varying degrees of tummy troubles, there are sometimes more serious medical issues to blame.
Ulcers, IBS, kidney stones and even appendicitis are all well-known causes of at times severe stomach cramping or pain. Colitis is another medical condition that can be behind intestinal discomfort, though it's generally less well known than other causes.
Here's what colitis is, what leads to it and how the condition is most commonly treated.
Colitis is the inflammation of the colon, also known as the large intestine. This inflammation is characterized by "swelling, irritation or damage to the colon’s inner lining," says Dr. Alison Mitzner, a board-certified pediatrician in New York City.
Inflammation in this part of the body can lead to abdominal pain and cramping, fatigue, loss of appetite, diarrhea, blood in the stool, nausea and an urgent need to go to the bathroom. Food passing through the colon is the body's last stage of digestion, she explains.
