Nondiscrimination Policy Update

Boston Medical Center Health System complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency and primary language), religion, culture, physical or mental disabilities, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity and/or expression. BMCHS provides free aids and services to people with disabilities and free language services to people whose primary language is not English.

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Microscopic Colitis

Microscopic colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes your colon to get inflamed.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of microscopic colitis is chronic, watery, non-bloody diarrhea. Other symptoms include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea at night
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Not being able to hold in a bowel movement (fetal incontinence)
  • Urgent need to have a bowel movement

Treatment

There is no cure for microscopic colitis. Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, changing what you eat and drink, and stopping any medications that make symptoms worse can help.

Your doctor may also prescribe medications such as steroids, antidiarrheal medications, immunosuppressants, or biologics.

Risk Factors

Doctors aren't sure what causes microscopic colitis, but certain things can increase your risk, including:

  • Aging
  • Being female
  • Type 1 diabetes
  • Celiac disease
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Certain types of antidepressants
  • Taking a lot of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Hormone replacement therapy
  • Smoking
  • Being overweight or obese

Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition

department

Gastroenterology

BMC’s Gastroenterology team provides everything you need to thrive with conditions ranging from peptic ulcers to IBD, cancer, motility issues, and liver conditions. We offer a hol…