Microscopic colitis

Overview

Microscopic colitis is inflammation of the large intestine (colon) that causes persistent watery diarrhea. The disorder gets its name from the fact that it's necessary to examine colon tissue under a microscope to identify it.

There are two types of microscopic colitis:

• Collagenous colitis, in which a thick layer of protein (collagen) develops in colon tissue
• Lymphocytic colitis, in which white blood cells (lymphocytes) increase in colon tissue

It isn't known whether collagenous (kuh-LAYJ-uh-nus) colitis and lymphocytic colitis are two separate disorders or represent different phases of the same condition. However, symptoms of collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis are similar, as are testing and treatment.

The symptoms of microscopic colitis can come and go frequently. Sometimes the symptoms resolve on their own. If not, your doctor can suggest a number of effective medications.

Read more about microscopic colitis.

Why choose Mayo Clinic

• Diagnostic expertise. Mayo Clinic has tissue analysis specialists (pathologists) who are experts at identifying microscopic colitis, which is critical to receiving the right treatment.
• Tough cases. Mayo Clinic specialists have experience helping people who don't respond to standard therapies for microscopic colitis. Mayo specialists can rule out other possible causes of persistent diarrhea and try different treatment approaches.
• Research leader. Mayo scientists are working to find more effective treatments for microscopic colitis. Mayo patients are among the first to benefit from new findings made at Mayo.

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 Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., are ranked high performing for digestive disorders by U.S. News & World Report.

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