Why microscopic colitis could be the reason you have bowel pain
Experiencing IBS symptoms? Microscopic colitis, a lesser-known bowel condition, could actually be the culprit. The good news is it’s usually manageable.
Presenting with symptoms similar to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), microscopic colitis may be the hidden cause of many cases of chronic diarrhoea but is often missed in diagnosis, according to research.
Presenting with symptoms similar to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), research.
So what is microscopic colitis?
Less well known than Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, microscopic colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects the large bowel.
Symptoms include stomach pain, fatigue, bloating, loose stools, urgently needing to use the toilet, and watery, non-bloody diarrhoea.
“Undiagnosed microscopic colitis can cause years of unnecessary suffering,” University of Liverpool Professor of Gastroenterology Chris Probert, who has studied microscopic colitis and observed a sharp rise in cases, says the diarrhoea symptoms tend to be very severe and stop people from leaving their home.
“Undiagnosed microscopic colitis can cause years of unnecessary suffering,” Prof Probert says.
“It’s not clear why cases are on the increase, but it’s likely due to better awareness of the condition, better biopsies being taken in patients with diarrhoea so microscopic changes in the colon can be identified, and an increase in the use of drugs that may cause microscopic colitis.
“This increase in cases is likely to be happening everywhere in the world.”
How is microscopic colitis identified?
As the name suggests, microscopic colitis can only be seen under a microscope.
During a colonoscopy, small tissue samples or biopsies are taken from different areas of the colon and then examined under a microscope for signs of the disease.
A colonoscopy alone won’t be able to detect microscopic colitis because the lining of the colon often looks healthy.
Who is likely to be affected by microscopic colitis?
A number of factors increase the risk of developing microscopic colitis, including being middle-aged or older and being female.
Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and coeliac disease, also increase the risk, according to Crohn’s & Colitis Australia gastroenterologist Associate Professor John Ding.
“Some drugs and medications predispose people to this disease (microscopic colitis), including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, proton-pump inhibitors commonly used to treat reflux in older people, and some antidepressants,” Assoc Prof Ding says.
“Changing medications that are known to be associated with microscopic colitis can form part of the treatment.”
How to manage microscopic colitis
There is no cure for microscopic colitis yet but in many cases, it can be well managed.
“For some people, less aggressive cases resolve themselves; for some people, changing any medications that are causing the condition will see it improve,” Assoc Prof Ding says.
He says smoking increases the risk of microscopic colitis, so quitting or reducing the number of cigarettes you smoke each day can help.
“There are also medications to stop diarrhoea or to stop irritation in the lining of the colon, and doctors may suggest stool hardeners,” he says.
Reducing the amount of alcohol and caffeine you drink, may also help.
“The good news is that effective treatments are available,” Prof Probert adds.
“People experiencing symptoms could benefit enormously by talking with their GP.”
Read more on digestive health:
- Is your diet and lifestyle causing your bloating?
- How to tell if your bowel movements are normal
- Natural solutions for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Got a belly ache? A food intolerance may be the culprit
Written by Sarah Marinos.
