Lymphocytic colitis
Encyclopedia
Lymphocytic colitis, a subtype of microscopic colitis
, is a rare condition characterized by chronic non-bloody watery diarrhea
. The colonoscopy
is normal but the mucosal biopsy reveals an accumulation of lymphocytes in the colonic epithelium and connective tissue (lamina propria). Collagenous colitis
shares this feature but additionally shows a distinctive thickening of the subepithelial collagen table. The peak incidence of lymphocytic colitis is in persons over age 50; the disease affects women more than men.
may also help. Corticosteroids or Mesalazine
s may be prescribed for people who do not respond to other drug treatment. The long-term prognosis for this disease is not clear.
Microscopic colitis
Microscopic colitis refers to two medical conditions which cause diarrhea: collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis. Both conditions are characterised by the following triad of clinicopathological features:# Chronic watery diarrhoea;# Normal colonoscopy;...
, is a rare condition characterized by chronic non-bloody watery diarrhea
Diarrhea
Diarrhea , also spelled diarrhoea, is the condition of having three or more loose or liquid bowel movements per day. It is a common cause of death in developing countries and the second most common cause of infant deaths worldwide. The loss of fluids through diarrhea can cause dehydration and...
. The colonoscopy
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is the endoscopic examination of the large bowel and the distal part of the small bowel with a CCD camera or a fiber optic camera on a flexible tube passed through the anus. It may provide a visual diagnosis and grants the opportunity for biopsy or removal of suspected...
is normal but the mucosal biopsy reveals an accumulation of lymphocytes in the colonic epithelium and connective tissue (lamina propria). Collagenous colitis
Collagenous colitis
Collagenous colitis is an inflammatory colonic disease with peak incidence in the 5th decade of life, affecting women more than men. Its clinical presentation involves watery diarrhea, usually in the absence of rectal bleeding...
shares this feature but additionally shows a distinctive thickening of the subepithelial collagen table. The peak incidence of lymphocytic colitis is in persons over age 50; the disease affects women more than men.
Causes
No definite etiology has been determined. Some reports have implicated long-term usage of NSAIDs, antidepressants specifically Sertraline (Zoloft), and other drugs; and overactive immune responses are also suspected.Treatment
Over-the-counter antidiarrheal drugs are effective for many people with lymphocytic colitis. Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as salicylatesSalicylic acid
Salicylic acid is a monohydroxybenzoic acid, a type of phenolic acid and a beta hydroxy acid. This colorless crystalline organic acid is widely used in organic synthesis and functions as a plant hormone. It is derived from the metabolism of salicin...
may also help. Corticosteroids or Mesalazine
Mesalazine
Mesalazine , also known as Mesalamine or 5-aminosalicylic acid , is an anti-inflammatory drug used to treat inflammation of the digestive tract ulcerative colitis and mild-to-moderate Crohn's disease...
s may be prescribed for people who do not respond to other drug treatment. The long-term prognosis for this disease is not clear.