By Theodore M. Mayiess, M.D
When the letters "i-t-s" are added to the end of the name of an organ, the physician understands that the organ is inflamed or infected, as in tonsillitis or appendicitis. Thus, the patient with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's colitis has actual inflammation of the large intestine, also with the resultant diarrhoea or bleeding. He or she may require cortisone-like products or antibiotics to suppress the inflammation. However, there are many people who say they have "colitis" who actually have irritable bowel syndrome or spastic colon. The majority of these persons are otherwise healthy and have intermittent constipation. They may complain of a lot of abdominal pain and gaseous distention. Other patents, however, do not have inflammation of the colon. There is no ulceration or infection, and they do not require cortisone or surgery. The use of the term "colitis" is really incorrect, but it is still being employed by many physicians and patients, thus leading to misunderstanding and even perhaps a lack of sympathy for a person with ulcerative colitis. When a friend says, "Oh, I know a lot of people who have colitis," he is probably referring to individuals with spastic colon. This is, after all, much more common than the inflammatory bowel diseases, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's..
New Outlook;
via Metro Halifax News,
& Okanagan Ostomy News (Mar 2000) |
