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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staff
It's not clear what causes collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis. The inflammation affects the colon differently in the two types of colitis:
- Collagenous colitis causes the layer of connective tissue (collagen) in the colon to thicken.
- Lymphocytic colitis causes increased levels of a specialized type of white blood cell (lymphocyte) in the colon.
Theories about causes
Doctors aren't sure what causes collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis, but researchers theorize that causes could include:
- Bacteria that produce toxins that irritate the lining of the colon.
- Viruses that trigger inflammation.
- Immune system problems, such as autoimmune disorders that occur when the body's immune system attacks healthy tissues. People with collagenous colitis or lymphocytic colitis sometimes also have an autoimmune disorder, such as celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis or scleroderma.
References
- Wald A. Other diseases of the colon and rectum. In: Feldman M, et al. Sleisinger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/book/player/linkTo?type=bookHome&isbn=978-1-4160-6189-2&eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-6189-2..X0001-7--TOP&uniq=200844987-3. Accessed Aug. 31, 2010.
- Collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis. National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/collagenouscolitis/index.htm. Accessed Aug. 31, 2010.
- Dietrich CF. Lymphocytic and collagenous colitis (microscopic colitis). http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 1, 2010.
- Tangri V, et al. Microscopic colitis: An update. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology. 2009;43:293.
- Chande N, et al. Interventions for treating microscopic colitis: A Cochrane Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Functional Bowel Disorders Review Group systematic review of randomized trials. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2009;104:235.
- Nutrition therapy for diarrhea. Nutrition Care Manual. American Dietetic Association. http://nutritioncaremanual.org/index.cfm. Accessed Sept. 2, 2010.
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