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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
Collagenous (kuh-LAYJ-uh-nus) colitis and lymphocytic colitis are inflammatory conditions of the colon that cause persistent watery diarrhea. Some researchers believe that collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis are different phases of the same condition rather than separate conditions.
Both collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis are sometimes referred to collectively as microscopic colitis — because the diagnosis is confirmed by examining a sample of tissue using a microscope.
Treatment for collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis often begins with lifestyle changes. In many cases, adjusting your diet will be enough to resolve your symptoms. If not, your doctor can suggest a number of effective medications for collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis. In rare cases, surgery is necessary.
- 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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