Pediatric Microscopic Colitis (Lymphocytic Colitis or Collagenous Colitis)
Microscopic colitis causes inflammation of the large intestine (colon) that leads to ongoing watery diarrhea.
What is Pediatric Microscopic Colitis (Lymphocytic Colitis or Collagenous Colitis)?
Microscopic colitis is characterized by an inflammation (swelling) of the colon (large intestine) that leads to chronic (ongoing) watery diarrhea.
Risk
The condition is more common in females than it is in males.
Many individuals who have microscopic colitis also have an autoimmune condition, such as:
Thyroid disease
What are the different types of Pediatric Microscopic Colitis (Lymphocytic Colitis or Collagenous Colitis)?
There are two types of microscopic colitis:
Collagenous colitis
Collagenous colitis occurs when a thick layer of protein (collagen) forms in the colon tissue.
Lymphocytic colitis
Lymphocytic colitis occurs when white blood cells (lymphocytes) accumulate in the colon tissue.
What are the signs and symptoms of Pediatric Microscopic Colitis (Lymphocytic Colitis or Collagenous Colitis)?
The signs and symptoms of microscopic colitis may come and go regularly, and may include:
Chronic watery diarrhea
Pain or cramping in the abdomen
What are the causes of Pediatric Microscopic Colitis (Lymphocytic Colitis or Collagenous Colitis)?
The causes of microscopic colitis are varied, and include:
Autoimmune diseases that affect the colon
Excessive levels of bile acid that irritate the colon lining
Medications that irritate the colon lining
Toxin-producing bacteria that irritate the colon lining
Viruses that lead to inflammation of the colon
Pediatric Microscopic Colitis (Lymphocytic Colitis or Collagenous Colitis) Doctors and Providers
