What is Colon Infection? Beware of These Symptoms, Know Its Causes & Treatment

Actor Irrfan Khan who was suffering from colon infection since many years passed away in Mumbai on 29 April, 2020. We all might have heard about colon infection but do we actually know about it? So In this article, we will tell you about what exactly is colon infection, how is it caused, what are its symptoms, types & its treatment.

What is colon?

The colon is also called as the large intestine, and forms part of the bowel. It removes water from digested food and the remaining waste, the stool moves through the colon to the rectum where it leaves the body.

What is colon infection?

It is a chronic digestive disease that refers to the inflammation of the inner lining of the colon. It is called as colitis. There are different causes of colitis which includes infection, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ischemic colitis, allergic reactions, and microscopic colitis.

What are the causes of colon infection?

Infection

Colitis infection can be caused by viruses, bacteria, and parasites. A person who is suffering from infectious colitis will have diarrhoea, fever, and stool sample tests positive for enteropathogens including salmonella, campylobacter and Escherichia coli (E.coli).

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

It is a more common form of a colon infection. IBD is caused when inflammation occurs in the digestive tract. It is a group of chronic diseases. Different conditions fall under IBD but few are mentioned below-

Ulcerative colitis: It occurs when in the innermost lining of the colon & rectum a chronic inflammation and ulcers are caused. People suffering from it have a high risk of colon cancer.

Crohn's disease: When the infection takes place in the inner line of the digestive tract. It is called as Crohn's disease where any part of the digestive tract can be infected.

Ischemic colitis

It is occurs due to the reduced blood flow in the portion of the colon. Due to which oxygen which is required does not reach through cells in the digestive system.

Allergic reactions

It is to be noted that this type of disease is more often common in babies than adults. It affects between 2% - 3% of infants. A baby suffering from this infection can occur irritable, gassy, and have blood or mucus in their stools. Anaemia and malnutrition may also be possible.

Eosinophilic colitis

It is similar to allergic colitis which resolves by early childhood. But in adolescents and adults, the condition is often chronic.

Microscopic colitis

It can only be seen through a microscope. It takes place due to an increase in lymphocytes, the type of white blood cell present in the lining of the colon.

Drug-induced colitis

Due to few medications, this disease may occur due to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and causes inflamed colon in people.

What are the Symptoms of Colon Infection?

Though, there are several types of colitis but some general symptoms are as follows:

• Fever

• Nausea

• Diarrhoea with or without blood

• Weight loss

• Fatigue

• Abdominal pain and cramping

• Intense pain

• Depression

• Bloating

• Aches and pains in the joints

• Loss of appetite

• The urgency to have a bowel movement

• Joint swelling

• Swelling of the colon tissue

• Eye inflammation

• Skin inflammation

• Tenderness in the abdomen

• Dehydration

What is the treatment for colon infection?

Though, there are a variety of treatments & remedies for a colon infection. But, it all depends on the severity of the infection.

1. Anti-inflammatory medications can be issued to patients who have milder continuous symptoms, so as to manage the conditions.

2. Mild to moderate symptoms can be treated at home but if pain continues and the condition starts to have an impact on your quality of life then colon removal surgery may be an option.

3. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to people suffering with it, but severe conditions often result in hospital treatment, so the patient can be effectively monitored.