ColitisSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Colitis
Colitis is swelling (inflammation) of the large intestine (colon).
Most of the time, the cause of colitis is not known.
Causes of colitis include:
- Infections caused by a virus, bacteria or parasite
- Crohn disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Lack of blood flow to the colon (ischemic colitis)
- Past radiation to the colon (radiation colitis and strictures)
- Necrotizing enterocolitis in newborns
- Pseudomembranous colitis caused by Clostridium difficile infection (now called Clostridiodes difficile)
Symptoms can include:
- Abdominal pain and bloating that may be constant or come and go
- Bloody stools
- Constant urge to have a bowel movement (tenesmus)
- Dehydration
- Diarrhea
- Fever
Your treatment will depend on the cause of the disease.
Stephen Hanauer is a Gastroenterologist practicing medicine in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Hanauer is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colitis. He is also highly rated in 8 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Crohn's Disease, Viral Gastroenteritis, Ulcerative Colitis, Colonoscopy, and Endoscopy. Dr. Hanauer is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine - Gastroenterology (Certified). Dr. Hanauer is currently accepting new patients.
UChicago Medicine Northbrook
David Rubin is a Gastroenterologist and a Hepatologist practicing medicine in Northbrook, Illinois. Dr. Rubin is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colitis. He is also highly rated in 15 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's Disease, Viral Gastroenteritis, Ileostomy, and Endoscopy. Dr. Rubin is board certified in Practicing Since1994 and Gastroenterology. Dr. Rubin is currently accepting new patients.
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Benjamin Cohen is a Gastroenterologist practicing medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Cohen is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Colitis. He is also highly rated in 19 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Crohn's Disease, Viral Gastroenteritis, Colitis, Ileostomy, and Colonoscopy. Dr. Cohen is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine, 2011. Dr. Cohen is currently accepting new patients.
The outlook depends on the cause of the problem.
- Crohn disease is a chronic condition which has no cure, but can be controlled. Biologic agents are very effective in controlling symptoms of Crohn colitis.
- Ulcerative colitis can usually be controlled with medicines, including biologic agents. If not controlled, it can be cured by surgically removing the colon.
- Viral, bacterial, and parasitic colitis can be cured with appropriate medicines.
- Pseudomembranous colitis caused by Clostridioides difficile can usually be cured with appropriate antibiotics.
Complications may include:
- Bleeding with bowel movements
- Perforation of the colon
- Toxic megacolon
Contact your provider if you have symptoms such as:
- Abdominal pain that does not get better
- Blood in the stool or stools that look black
- Diarrhea or vomiting that does not go away
- Swollen abdomen
Summary: This Phase III, randomized, double-blind, multicenter, induction and maintenance study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of Afimkibart (RO7790121) in pediatric participants with moderate to severe active ulcerative colitis (UC).
Summary: The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of LY4268989 when compared to placebo in adult participants with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC). The study drug will be administered orally. The study will last up to approximately 108 weeks, excluding screening.
Published Date: July 22, 2025
Published By: Todd Eisner, MD, Private practice specializing in Gastroenterology in Boca Raton and Delray Beach, Florida at Gastroenterology Consultants of Boca Raton. Affiliate Assistant Professor, Florida Atlantic University School of Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Ananthakrishnan AN, Regueiro MD, Rubin DT. Management of inflammatory bowel diseases. In: Chung RT, Rubin DT, Wilcox CM, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 118.
Lichtenstein GR. Inflammatory bowel disease. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 127.
Pardi DS, Tome J. Other diseases of the colon. In: Chung RT, Rubin DT, Wilcox CM, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 130.