Colitis: Care Instructions
Overview
Colitis is the medical term for swelling (inflammation) of the intestine. It can be caused by different things, such as an infection or loss of blood flow in the intestine. Other causes are problems like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
Symptoms may include diarrhea that may be bloody, belly pain, or a fever. Sometimes symptoms go away without treatment. But you may need treatment, such as medicines, or more tests, such as blood tests or a stool test. Or you may need imaging tests like a CT scan or a colonoscopy. In some cases, the doctor may want to test a sample of tissue from the intestine. This test is called a biopsy.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
How can you care for yourself at home?
- Rest until you feel better.
- When you feel like eating again, start with small amounts of food.
- To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids. Choose water and other clear liquids until you feel better. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
- Be safe with medicines. Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor or nurse advice line if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.
When should you call for help?
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
- You have severe belly pain.
- Your stools are maroon or very bloody.
Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You are dizzy or light-headed, or feel like you may faint.
- You have trouble breathing or are breathing faster and passing only a little urine.
- You have new or worse belly pain.
- You have a new or higher fever.
- You have signs of dehydration, such as:
- Dry eyes and a dry mouth.
- Passing only a little urine.
- Feeling thirstier than usual.
- You have nausea or vomiting and can't keep fluids down.
- You cannot pass stools or gas.
- You have new or more blood in your stools or your stools are black and tar-like.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:
- You do not get better as expected.
- You have new or worse symptoms.
- You are losing weight.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter J212 in the search box to learn more about "Colitis: Care Instructions".
Current as of: October 19, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
