Colitis Treatment in Los Angeles, CA
If you have frequent diarrhea, abdominal pain, or rectal bleeding, you may have colitis, an inflammation of the colon that is often linked to inflammatory bowel disease. At LA Integrative Gastroenterology & Nutrition in Century City, Farshid Sam Rahbar, MD, FACP, ABIHM, diagnoses and treats colitis with a blend of Western and integrative medicine designed to calm inflammation, heal the colon, and restore your overall health.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is Colitis?
Colitis refers to inflammation of the colon (large intestine). Ulcerative colitis, one of the two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) along with Crohn’s disease, causes chronic inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the colon and rectum. Colitis can also result from infections, reduced blood flow (ischemic colitis), certain medications, or microscopic inflammation that is only visible under a microscope. Ulcerative colitis usually develops gradually, and without treatment it can lead to serious complications such as severe bleeding, a perforated colon, bone loss, and an increased risk of colon cancer.
Symptoms of Colitis
- Diarrhea, often with blood or pus
- Abdominal and rectal pain or cramping
- Rectal bleeding
- An urgent need to have a bowel movement or a feeling of incomplete emptying
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue and fever
Schedule an appointment if you notice blood in your stool, have ongoing diarrhea that does not respond to over-the-counter medication, or experience severe abdominal pain. Heavy bleeding, high fever, or signs of dehydration require urgent care.
What Causes Colitis?
The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is not fully understood, but several factors contribute. A family history of IBD increases risk, and an abnormal immune response can cause the body to attack the cells lining the digestive tract. Imbalances in the gut microbiome, diet, stress, and environmental factors may also play a role in triggering or worsening flares.
How Colitis Is Diagnosed
Dr. Rahbar and our team use a comprehensive exam along with blood and stool testing to look for inflammation, infection, and anemia. Colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy allows direct examination of the colon lining and biopsies to confirm the diagnosis. Imaging such as X-rays or CT scans, and in some cases capsule endoscopy, may be used to evaluate the extent of inflammation and rule out Crohn’s disease.
Integrative Colitis Treatment
Our physicians combine the best of Western medicine with integrative therapies to create highly customized colitis treatment plans. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medication or immune-modulating therapy when appropriate, combined with dietary adjustments, inflammation control strategies, and gut-supportive therapies. Because colitis can interfere with absorption, your doctor may recommend supplements such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, and iron, along with probiotics to support a healthy microbiome. A personalized digestive disorder diet can help reduce flares and support remission. Patients with long-standing colitis also need regular colon cancer screening.
Colitis FAQs
Is colitis the same as Crohn’s disease?
No. Ulcerative colitis affects the inner lining of the colon and rectum, while Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract and deeper layers of the bowel wall. Both are forms of inflammatory bowel disease.
Can colitis be cured?
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition, but many patients achieve long-term remission with the right combination of medical treatment, nutrition, and lifestyle support.
Does diet affect colitis?
Diet does not cause ulcerative colitis, but certain foods can worsen symptoms during flares. A personalized diet can help reduce symptoms and support healing.
How is colitis diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves blood and stool tests and a colonoscopy with biopsies. Imaging may be used to assess the extent of inflammation.
Does colitis increase colon cancer risk?
Yes. Long-standing ulcerative colitis increases the risk of colon cancer, so regular surveillance colonoscopy is important.
Which supplements may help with colitis?
Your doctor may recommend vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and probiotics based on your lab results and symptoms. Always discuss supplements with your physician first.
Schedule a Colitis Evaluation in Los Angeles, CA
Get expert diagnosis and personalized treatment for colitis and other inflammatory bowel diseases. Call LA Integrative Gastroenterology & Nutrition at (310) 289-8000 or continue reading about colon cancer.