Ask An Expert: Collagenous Colitis

Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School

Ask An Expert: Collagenous Colitis

Question:

What is collagenous colitis?

Answer:

Collagenous colitis is a cause of persistent watery diarrhea. Women are affected by this disorder five times more often than men. Collagenous colitis occurs most often in people around age 65, but it can occur at any time during adult life.

Most other types of colitis, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are easily recognized when doctors perform sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. The lining of the lower intestine is typically red and irregular. With collagenous colitis, the lining appears normal. You need a biopsy to make the diagnosis.

In addition to watery diarrhea, a person may have weight loss and discomfort in the rectum or abdomen.

The exact cause is unknown. In some people, the regular use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen seems to be a factor. Stopping the use of all types of NSAIDs may improve the condition.

The prognosis of collagenous colitis is good. Serious complications are uncommon.

Howard LeWine, M.D., is chief editor of Internet Publishing at Harvard Health Publications. He is recognized as an outstanding clinician and teacher and is a recipient of the Internal Medicine Teacher of the Year award at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Dr. LeWine continues to practice Internal Medicine; most recently he became a hospitalist after practicing primary care for over 20 years.

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Last updated:	January 24, 2007

Medical content reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School. Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.

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