Find a Provider
From well-child visits to specialized treatment of complex illnesses and injuries, we offer comprehensive care from an exceptional team of doctors, nurses and allied professionals.
- Home
- Parents Home
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- A to Z Dictionary
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Flu Center
- Heart Health
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Diseases & Conditions
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- School & Family Life
- Pregnancy Center
- Newborn Center
- Q&A
- Recipes
- Sports Medicine Center
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Videos
- Para Padres
- Home
- Kids Home
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Movies & More
- Diabetes Center
- Getting Help
- Feelings
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Health Problems
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes & Cooking
- Staying Healthy
- Stay Safe Center
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Q&A
- Heart Center
- Videos
- Staying Safe
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Para Niños
- Home
- Teens Home
- Asthma Center
- Be Your Best Self Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sexual Health
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos
- Your Body
- Your Mind
- Para Adolescentes
A to Z: Colitis
Colitis (koh-LY-tis) is inflammation of the colon, the main part of the large intestine.
More to Know
The colon is part of the body's digestive system. It runs from near the end of the small intestine to the rectum. The colon absorbs water and nutrients from partially digested food that enters the colon from the small intestine. Anything that isn't absorbed is slowly moved on a pathway out of the body. These undigested and unabsorbed food particles are also known as stool, a bowel movement, or poop.
If the colon becomes inflamed (irritated and swollen), it can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloody stools (poop), dehydration, fever, and chills. A number of conditions can cause colitis, including bacterial and viral infections, inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease), and a lack of blood flow (ischemic colitis).
Treatment for colitis depends on the cause of the inflammation. Most causes are treated with medicines that decrease inflammation or suppress the immune system. In rare cases, if medicines can't control symptoms, doctors may recommend surgery.
Keep in Mind
Many causes of colitis will eventually clear up on their own, but some (such as Crohn's disease) have no cure. In those cases, proper treatment and medical care can usually allow someone with colitis to enjoy a productive, normal life.
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995- The Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth® is a registered trademark of The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.