Microscopic Colitis Treatment in Indore

Microscopic Colitis – Description

MC is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with symptoms of diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort. In contrast to ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, the colon looks normal during colonoscopy, and inflammation is only visible under a microscope; hence, the name "microscopic." It tends to occur in older adults, especially women, and its exact cause is unknown, though autoimmune factors, medications, infections, and genetics may be contributing factors.

Symptoms include:

Chronic watery diarrhoea, often without blood

Abdominal cramping

Urgency to pass stool

Weight loss, especially in severe cases

Fatigue

Despite symptoms, microscopic colitis does not increase the risk of colon cancer.

Types of Microscopic Colitis

1. Collagenous Colitis

Characterised by a thick layer of collagen beneath the intestinal lining.

Common in middle-aged to older adults, especially women.

Symptoms include chronic watery diarrhoea, mild abdominal pain, and weight loss in severe cases.

2. Lymphocytic Colitis

Characterised by increased lymphocytes form of WBCs in the lining of the colon.

Similar symptoms to collagenous colitis.

Slightly more common in adults, about 50–60 years old.

3. Incomplete / Mixed Forms

Some patients have features of both types.

Symptoms are usually similar, consisting of chronic diarrhoea and mild abdominal discomfort.

Treatment of Microscopic Colitis

Treatment relieves diarrhoea, controls inflammation, and improves quality of life.

1. Lifestyle and Dietary Measures

Avoid triggering foods like caffeine, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, and fatty foods.

Eat small, frequent meals.

Remain well-hydrated to avoid dehydration from diarrhoea.

2. Medications

Anti-diarrheal agents: Loperamide controls symptoms.

Bile acid binders: Cholestyramine may help if diarrhoea is bile acid-related.

Anti-inflammatory medications:

Budesonide (oral or delayed-release): first-line therapy for active disease.

Immunosuppressive therapy: Rarely, drugs such as azathioprine or mesalamine have been used for resistant cases.

3. Treat Underlying Triggers

Stop or adjust the medications associated with microscopic colitis, including NSAIDs, proton pump inhibitors, or SSRIs, under the supervision of your doctor.

Prevention of Microscopic Colitis Flares

1. Medication Awareness

Avoid unnecessary long-term use of NSAIDs, PPIs, or other drugs associated with MC.

2. Healthy Lifestyle

Follow a balanced diet and avoid known triggers.

Stay hydrated, and manage your stress.

3. Monitoring

Regular follow-up with a gastroenterologist if symptoms persist or worsen. 4. Manage Autoimmune Disorders: Treat associated autoimmune disorders since these can increase flare risk.