Lymphocytic colitis
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| Lymphocytic colitis | |
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Micrograph of lymphocytic colitis. HPS stain.
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| Classification and external resources | |
| Specialty | Lua error in Module:Wikidata at line 446: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). |
| DiseasesDB | 30087 |
| eMedicine | med/1351 |
| Patient UK | Lymphocytic colitis |
| MeSH | D046730 |
Lymphocytic colitis, a subtype of microscopic colitis, is a rare condition characterized by chronic non-bloody watery diarrhea. The colonoscopy is normal but the mucosal biopsy reveals an accumulation of lymphocytes in the colonic epithelium and connective tissue (lamina propria). Collagenous colitis shares this feature but additionally shows a distinctive thickening of the subepithelial collagen table. The peak incidence of lymphocytic colitis is in persons over age 50; the disease affects women and men equally.
Causes
No definite etiology has been determined. Some reports have implicated long-term usage of NSAIDs, antidepressants specifically Sertraline (Zoloft), and other drugs; and overactive immune responses are also suspected.
Treatment
Over-the-counter antidiarrheal drugs are effective for many people with lymphocytic colitis. Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as salicylates may also help. Corticosteroids or Mesalazines may be prescribed for people who do not respond to other drug treatment. The long-term prognosis for this disease is not clear. There is no treatment
