Colitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Colitis?
A gastroenterologist, a digestive system doctor, usually cares for people with colitis. Your treatment will depend on the cause of the disease. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is colitis?
Colitis is swelling, also called inflammation, of the large intestine, which is also called the colon. Ulcerative colitis is one type. In ulcerative colitis, the lining of the colon and rectum is inflamed. Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD. Crohn disease is another form of IBD.
Symptoms
Symptoms of colitis can include:
- Belly pain and bloating that may be constant or come and go.
- Bloody stools.
- A constant urge to have a bowel movement, called tenesmus.
- Diarrhea.
- Fever.
- Dehydration.
In ulcerative colitis, half of people have only mild symptoms. Others have more severe attacks that occur more often. Ulcerative colitis can also cause weight loss, eye irritation, and joint pain and swelling.
Colitis may cause bleeding with bowel movements. It may also cause perforation of the colon.
Causes and who gets it
Most of the time, the cause of colitis is not known. Known causes of colitis include:
- Infections caused by a virus, bacteria, or parasite.
- Crohn disease.
- Ulcerative colitis.
- Lack of blood flow to the colon, called ischemic colitis.
- Past radiation to the colon.
- Infection with the bacteria C. difficile.
The cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown. Stress and certain foods can trigger symptoms, but they do not cause ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis may affect any age group.
How doctors diagnose it
Your health care provider will do a physical exam. You will be asked how long you have had symptoms. You will also be asked if you have traveled recently. You may also be asked whether you have taken antibiotics recently.
Your provider may recommend a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. In this test, a flexible tube is inserted through your rectum to examine your colon. Biopsies, which are small tissue samples, may be taken during this exam. They may show changes related to inflammation, which can help find the cause of colitis.
A CT scan or an MRI of the abdomen can also help find colitis. So can a stool culture. For ulcerative colitis, a colonoscopy with biopsy is most often used.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause of the disease. Colitis from a virus, bacteria, or parasite can be cured with the right medicines. C. difficile colitis can usually be cured with the right antibiotics. Crohn disease is a chronic condition that has no cure, but it can be controlled.
Ulcerative colitis can usually be controlled with medicines. During a severe episode, you may need to be treated in the hospital. If ulcerative colitis is not controlled, surgery to remove the colon will cure it.
With ulcerative colitis, avoid medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen, because they can make symptoms worse. Talk to your provider before taking medicine for very bad diarrhea.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if you have abdominal pain that does not get better, blood in the stool, or stools that look black. Also call if you have a swollen belly. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have severe belly pain or pressure. Do the same for bleeding that will not stop, fainting, or severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A doctor in this kind of practice can ask how long you have had symptoms. That doctor can also ask if you have traveled recently.
Common questions
What is the difference between colitis and ulcerative colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is one cause of colitis. Colitis means swelling of the colon, and it can also come from infections, Crohn disease, or a lack of blood flow to the colon.
Can colitis be cured?
It depends on the cause. Colitis from germs can be cured with the right medicines. Crohn disease has no cure, but it can be controlled. Ulcerative colitis can usually be controlled with medicines.
How do doctors test for colitis?
Doctors may use a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy to test for colitis. A CT scan, an MRI, or a stool culture can also help.
Does stress cause ulcerative colitis?
No, stress does not cause ulcerative colitis. Stress and certain foods can trigger symptoms.
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Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
