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Infectious colitis history and symptoms

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Qasim Salau, M.B.B.S., FMCPaed [2]

Overview

Overview

Obtaining a detailed history, including risk factors is important in making a diagnosis of infectious colitis, as it provides an insight into the possible cause infectious colitis. Symptoms of infectious colitis include diarrhea (either watery or bloody), nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and bloating with or without fever. The symptoms of infectious colitis are often acute in onset and usually non-recurrent. History of recurrent diarrhea suggests inflammatory bowel disease. History of antibiotic use especially in a hospitalized patients suggests ”Clostridium difficile” as the possible cause. Less common symptoms may be related to complications of infectious colitis, such as oliguria/anuria, and painless gross hematuria. Abdominal pain and tenderness may be localized, mimicking acute appendicitis.

History and Symptoms

History and Symptoms

History-taking for patients with Infectious colitis should focus on risk factors for the transmission of the pathogens and development of colitis. The History and Symptoms of infectious colitis depending on the pathogen causing Infectious colitis as follows:[1]

References

References

  1. DuPont HL (2012). “Approach to the patient with infectious colitis”. Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 28 (1): 39–46. doi:10.1097/MOG.0b013e32834d3208. PMID 22080825.

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