Infectious colitis vs. Ulcerative colitis: differences, more

Infectious colitis and ulcerative colitis both cause colon inflammation and similar symptoms. Infectious colitis is caused by a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection, while ulcerative

colitis is a chronic condition. Infectious colitis and ulcerative colitis have similar symptoms. It’s important to speak with a doctor if you develop diarrhea, abdominal pain, or blood in

your stool, especially if these persist. Although both conditions cause inflammation in the colon, they have different causes. Keep reading to learn more about the similarities and

differences between infectious colitis and ulcerative colitis. We look at the causes, symptoms, and risk factors, among other considerations. Infectious colitis vs. ulcerative colitis causes

Infectious colitis refers to colon or intestinal inflammation that results from an infection, including: * BACTERIAL INFECTIONS: Salmonella, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Clostridioides

difficile (C. diff) * VIRAL INFECTIONS: rotavirus, adenovirus, norovirus, and cytomegalovirus * PARASITIC INFECTIONS: Entamoeba histolytica * SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STIS): HIV,

Chlamydia trachomatis, herpes simplex 1 and 2, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae Ulcerative colitis, on the other hand, is the most common form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and causes

inflammation and bleeding. Researchers do not know the exact cause of ulcerative colitis. However, they believe it could be an autoimmune condition in which your immune system mistakenly

attacks healthy tissue. Ulcerative colitis has also been associated with: * genetics * gut microbiome changes * environmental factors Infectious colitis vs. ulcerative colitis symptoms The

most common symptoms of ulcerative colitis can include: * diarrhea * abdominal pain * blood in the stool * tenesmus, which is the frequent and urgent feeling that you need to pass stool,

even if your bowels are already empty You may also experience extra-intestinal symptoms if your condition is severe or you experience periods when symptoms worsen or reappear, known as

flare-ups. Some of these symptoms may include: * mouth sores * joint or bone pain * fatigue * eye irritations * unexplained weight loss * fever Remission may also occur, which are periods

when symptoms disappear for weeks or years. If you have infectious colitis, your symptoms may be similar to those of ulcerative colitis, including: * rectal pain * tenesmus * diarrhea If you

experience any of these symptoms or diarrhea that lasts for more than 4 weeks, speak with a healthcare professional. They can evaluate your symptoms to provide a proper diagnosis and

develop an appropriate treatment plan. Who gets infectious colitis vs. ulcerative colitis? Infectious colitis is caused by bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. However, the following

risk factors may increase your risk of developing infectious colitis and certain infections: * older age * sickle cell anemia * hemolytic anemia * having a weakened immune system, such as

from corticosteroids, chemotherapy, or AIDS Ulcerative colitis is not an infection, so you cannot get it if you come into contact with someone with the condition. However, you may have an

increased chance of developing ulcerative colitis if your parents or siblings already have it. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, up to 1 in 10 people with UC have a

family member who also has the condition. Stress may also worsen IBD symptoms or increase your chance of experiencing a flare-up. Diagnosing infectious colitis vs. ulcerative colitis A

healthcare professional will first ask about your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical examination. This may include pressing on your abdomen to check for inflammation. They

will then perform several tests to provide a diagnosis of infectious colitis or ulcerative colitis. INFECTIOUS COLITIS A doctor may perform the following tests: * STOOL TEST: This test

checks whether there are bacteria present in your stool. * ABDOMINAL CT SCAN: This scan may be used to diagnose bacterial colitis if you have an empty colon or no enlarged lymph nodes. *

PELVIC CT SCAN: This scan may show whether you have a thickened colonic wall. * COLONOSCOPY: This procedure is used to check for colonic ulcerations. ULCERATIVE COLITIS For ulcerative

colitis, blood and stool tests are also common. A doctor may also recommend other tests, including: * colonoscopy * chromoendoscopy, which checks whether you have polyps or precancerous

cells. * biopsy, which involves removing a small tissue sample from your intestine so that it can be tested in a laboratory A doctor may use a contrast chemical that you take orally or

intravenously to help provide a detailed image of your digestive organs. Learn more about ulcerative colitis diagnosis. Treating infectious colitis vs. ulcerative colitis Infectious colitis

treatment usually depends on your symptoms and underlying cause. For example, antibiotics like vancomycin or fidaxomicin (Dificid) may be prescribed if you have a mild to moderate C. diff

infection. If the infection is serious, a doctor may prescribe oral vancomycin and add intravenous metronidazole if complications arise. Treatment for ulcerative colitis will also depend on

the severity of your symptoms. However, since ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition, your treatment plan will aim to reduce inflammation to also help decrease the frequency of symptoms

and maintain remission. Treatment for ulcerative colitis may include a combination of: * lifestyle and dietary changes * oral medications, such as aminosalicylates, glucocorticosteroids, and

immunosuppressants * injections, such as biologics, corticosteroids, and JAK inhibitors * surgery, such as proctocolectomy Frequently asked questions HOW SERIOUS IS INFECTIOUS COLITIS? The

severity of your symptoms will depend on the underlying infection, such as the type of bacteria, virus, or parasite. Mild to moderate infections may not require any treatment, while severe

infections may require immediate medical attention in the hospital. HOW DO YOU GET RID OF INFECTIOUS COLITIS? Treatment for infectious colitis depends on the severity of your symptoms, the

underlying cause, and whether you have certain health conditions. Most bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics, but other types of infections may require other medications. WHAT

IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ULCERATIVE COLITIS AND INFECTIOUS COLITIS? Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that affects the colon. It’s a chronic condition that may

require lifelong treatment to manage symptoms. Infectious colitis also causes colon inflammation, but it’s caused by a bacterial or viral infection and typically isn’t chronic. CAN

INFECTIOUS COLITIS CAUSE SEPSIS? In rare cases, infectious colitis caused by the bacteria Shigella may cause sepsis. Takeaway Infectious colitis and ulcerative colitis are both conditions

that cause diarrhea, tenesmus, and blood in the stool. You may have a higher chance of developing infectious colitis if you get a bacterial or viral infection. It can also affect people with

STIs. Ulcerative colitis is more likely to develop if you have a family history of the condition. Visit our dedicated IBD hub for more resources on ulcerative colitis.