Diseases

Lymphocytic Colitis

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Lymphocytic colitis is a subtype of microscopiccolitis, a condition characterized by chronic non-bloody watery diarrhea. The colonoscopy is normal but histology of the mucosal biopsy reveals an accumulation of lymphocytes in the colonic epithelium and connective tissue (lamina propria).

SYMPTOMS

Signs and symptoms of microscopic colitis include:

chronic watery diarrhea.
abdominal pain or cramps.
weight loss.
nausea.
fecal incontinence.

CAUSES

Bacteria that produce toxins that irritate the lining of thecolon. Viruses that trigger inflammation. Autoimmunedisease Associated with microscopic colitis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or celiac disease. Autoimmunedisease Occurs when your body's immune system attacks healthy tissues.