Colitis -The Different Types of The Disease

Hey people :)
I wanted to post this about Colitis because there are so many different types, and could be confusing to distinguish the differences of each disease. Here they are. I've also provided the link at the end of each type for more info if you want to read more about the condition.

Pseudomembranous colitis is inflammation of the colon that occurs in some people who have received antibiotics. Pseudomembranous colitis is sometimes called antibiotic-associated colitis or C. difficile colitis.

The inflammation in pseudomembranous colitis is almost always associated with an overgrowth of the bacterium Clostridium difficile (C. difficile), although in rare cases, other organisms can be involved.

Pseudomembranous colitis can cause you to experience painful, alarming symptoms and can even become life-threatening. However, treatment for most cases of pseudomembranous colitis is successful. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pseudomembranous-colitis/DS00797

Ischemic colitis is a disorder that develops when blood flow to a part of your large intestine (colon) is reduced. This can lead to areas of colon inflammation and, in some cases, permanent colon damage.

Ischemic colitis can affect any part of your colon, but most affected people develop pain on the left side of the abdomen. Urgent bowel movements and bloody diarrhea also are common to ischemic colitis.

Most cases of ischemic colitis are mild and resolve on their own in a couple of days. Still, because the condition can become severe, call your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of ischemic colitis.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ischemic-colitis/DS00794

Ulcerative colitis (UL-sur-uh-tiv koe-LIE-tis) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes long-lasting inflammation in part of your digestive tract.

Like Crohn's disease, another common IBD, ulcerative colitis can be debilitating and sometimes can lead to life-threatening complications. Because ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition, symptoms usually develop over time, rather than suddenly.

Ulcerative colitis usually affects only the innermost lining of your large intestine (colon) and rectum. It occurs only through continuous stretches of your colon, unlike Crohn's disease, which occurs anywhere in the digestive tract and often spreads deeply into the affected tissues.

There's no known cure for ulcerative colitis, but therapies are available that may dramatically reduce the signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis and even bring about a long-term remission.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ulcerative-colitis/DS00598
DIFFERENT TYPES OF ULCERATIVE COLITIS BASED ON LOCATION

Ulcerative colitis symptoms can vary, depending on the severity of inflammation and where it occurs. For these reasons, doctors often classify ulcerative colitis according to its location.

Here are the signs and symptoms that may accompany ulcerative colitis, depending on its classification:

Ulcerative proctitis. In this form of ulcerative colitis, inflammation is confined to the area closest to the anus (rectum), and for some people, rectal bleeding may be the only sign of the disease. Others may have rectal pain and a feeling of urgency. This form of ulcerative colitis tends to be the mildest.
Proctosigmoiditis. This form involves the rectum and the lower end of the colon, known as the sigmoid colon. Bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps and pain, and an inability to move the bowels in spite of the urge to do so (tenesmus) are common problems associated with this form of the disease.
Left-sided colitis. As the name suggests, inflammation extends from the rectum up through the sigmoid and descending colon, which are located in the upper left part of the abdomen. Signs and symptoms include bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and pain on the left side, and unintended weight loss.
Pancolitis. Affecting more than the left colon and often the entire colon, pancolitis causes bouts of bloody diarrhea that may be severe, abdominal cramps and pain, fatigue, and significant weight loss.
Fulminant colitis. This rare, life-threatening form of colitis affects the entire colon and causes severe pain, profuse diarrhea and, sometimes, dehydration and shock. People with fulminant colitis are at risk of serious complications, including colon rupture and toxic megacolon, a condition that causes the colon to rapidly expand.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ulcerative-colitis/DS00598/DSECTION=symptoms

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., ranks No. 1 for digestive disorders in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., and in Jacksonville, Fla., are ranked among the Best Hospitals for digestive disorders by U.S. News & World Report.