Gut on Fire? Why Your Colon Is Inflamed and Your Medical Path to Relief

If your gut feels like it's "on fire," you may be dealing with colitis—a medical term for inflammation of the colon (large intestine). Colitis is not a single disease. It's a condition with several possible causes, ranging from infections to autoimmune disorders like ulcerative colitis.

Colon inflammation can be painful and disruptive. But with the right diagnosis and treatment plan, most people can control symptoms and protect their long-term health.

Let's break down what colitis is, why it happens, and what you can do next.

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What Is Colitis?

Colitis simply means inflammation of the colon. When the colon becomes inflamed, it can't absorb water properly or move stool normally. This leads to symptoms such as:

• Persistent diarrhea (sometimes with blood or mucus)
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Urgency to have a bowel movement
• Fatigue
• Bloating
• Unintended weight loss
• Fever (in some cases)

Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some people experience flare-ups followed by periods of remission. Others may have ongoing symptoms that require continuous treatment.

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The Main Causes of Colitis

Understanding the cause of your colitis is key to finding relief. Here are the most common types:

1. Ulcerative Colitis (UC)

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the colon.

• Causes long-term inflammation and ulcers
• Often begins gradually
• Can worsen over time without treatment
• Typically starts in the rectum and spreads upward

Ulcerative colitis is a serious but manageable condition. It requires medical care and ongoing monitoring.

If you're experiencing symptoms like persistent diarrhea, blood in your stool, or unexplained abdominal pain, you can get personalized insights by using Ubie's free AI-powered Ulcerative Colitis symptom checker to help determine if your symptoms align with this condition.

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2. Infectious Colitis

This type of colitis is caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Common triggers include:

• Contaminated food or water
• Recent travel
• Antibiotic use (which can disrupt healthy gut bacteria)

Infectious colitis often develops suddenly and may include:

• Fever
• Severe diarrhea
• Dehydration

Many cases improve with proper treatment, though some infections can be serious if left untreated.

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3. Ischemic Colitis

Ischemic colitis happens when blood flow to the colon is reduced.

Risk factors include:

• Older age
• Heart disease
• Blood clotting disorders
• Low blood pressure episodes

Symptoms often appear suddenly and may include:

• Sharp abdominal pain
• Bloody stool

This condition can be mild or life-threatening, depending on severity. Immediate medical evaluation is important if symptoms are sudden and severe.

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4. Microscopic Colitis

Microscopic colitis causes chronic watery diarrhea but may not show visible inflammation during a colonoscopy. It is diagnosed through biopsy.

It is more common in:

• Adults over 50
• Women
• People taking certain medications

Treatment can be highly effective once diagnosed.

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Why Colon Inflammation Shouldn't Be Ignored

Mild digestive upset happens to everyone. But ongoing colon inflammation is different.

Untreated colitis can lead to complications such as:

• Severe dehydration
• Anemia from blood loss
• Malnutrition
• Colon perforation (rare but serious)
• Increased colon cancer risk (in long-standing ulcerative colitis)

This is not meant to alarm you—but to emphasize the importance of proper diagnosis and care.

If you have persistent diarrhea, blood in your stool, or severe abdominal pain, speak to a doctor promptly.

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How Doctors Diagnose Colitis

Your healthcare provider will start with a medical history and physical exam. From there, testing may include:

• Blood tests (to check for infection, inflammation, anemia)
• Stool tests (to rule out infection)
• Colonoscopy (to view the colon and take biopsies)
• Imaging tests like CT scans (in some cases)

Accurate diagnosis is critical because treatments differ depending on the type of colitis.

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Treatment Options for Colitis

Treatment depends on the cause and severity. The goal is to reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms, and prevent complications.

For Ulcerative Colitis:

• Anti-inflammatory medications (such as mesalamine)
• Corticosteroids (for short-term flare control)
• Immune-modulating drugs
• Biologic therapies that target specific immune pathways
• Surgery (in severe or treatment-resistant cases)

For Infectious Colitis:

• Hydration
• Targeted antibiotics (if bacterial)
• Supportive care

For Ischemic Colitis:

• IV fluids
• Treatment of underlying heart or blood vessel issues
• Surgery in severe cases

For Microscopic Colitis:

• Anti-diarrheal medications
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Adjustment of triggering medications

Early treatment often prevents worsening disease and improves quality of life.

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Lifestyle Steps That Support Healing

Medical treatment is essential, but daily habits matter too.

Here are practical steps that may help manage colitis symptoms:

• Stay hydrated, especially during diarrhea episodes
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals
• Limit high-fat, spicy, or heavily processed foods during flares
• Keep a food diary to identify triggers
• Manage stress through exercise, therapy, or relaxation techniques
• Avoid smoking (smoking worsens many forms of colitis)

Diet is highly individual. Some people tolerate fiber well, others do not. A registered dietitian familiar with inflammatory bowel disease can help personalize your plan.

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When to Seek Urgent Care

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Heavy rectal bleeding
• Signs of dehydration (dizziness, fainting, very little urine)
• High fever with diarrhea
• Rapid heart rate

These can signal serious complications that require prompt care.

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Living Well With Colitis

A diagnosis of colitis—especially ulcerative colitis—can feel overwhelming at first. But many people live full, active lives with proper treatment and monitoring.

Key long-term strategies include:

• Regular follow-up appointments
• Colon cancer screening when recommended
• Medication adherence
• Early treatment of flares
• Open communication with your doctor

Modern therapies have dramatically improved outcomes for people with inflammatory bowel diseases. Early diagnosis truly makes a difference.

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The Bottom Line

If your gut feels inflamed, painful, or unpredictable, don't ignore it. Colitis is common, treatable, and manageable when properly diagnosed.

Persistent diarrhea, blood in stool, or unexplained abdominal pain are signals your body wants attention.

Before seeing a doctor, you can check your symptoms using Ubie's free Ulcerative Colitis symptom checker to better understand what might be causing your discomfort and prepare for your medical appointment. However, online tools are not a substitute for professional medical care.

If anything feels severe, worsening, or potentially life-threatening, speak to a doctor immediately.

Your colon may feel like it's on fire—but with the right medical path, relief is possible.