I recently had a colonoscopy and was told that I have nonspecific colitis with small, punctate ulcers in the left colon, possibly caused by bacteria. Is this the same as ulcerative colitis? I have also been having joint pains, fatigue and fevers. Could they be related?

Kim

Colitis refers to inflammation of the inner lining of the large bowel (colon). There are many different forms of colitis, but the most widely recognized is referred to as ulcerative colitis and has an unknown cause. This diagnosis is made only after other causes of colitis are ruled out. Known causes of colitis include bacteria, viruses, parasites, radiation therapy, vascular disease and certain medications, such as antibiotics.

A colonoscopy may find certain features, such as distribution of the inflammation, that suggest a possible cause of a patient's colitis. In most cases, though, colonoscopy does not pinpoint the cause of the colitis. Often, the diagnosis is made only after a complete medical history is taken. For example, recent travel to a developing country may suggest a parasitic disease. On the other hand, bacterial colitis often follows eating at questionable fast-food restaurants and may be associated with small outbreaks at these locations. It is also important for the doctor to take a biopsy sample of the colon at the time of colonoscopy in order to perform a microscopic examination of the tissue. In addition, samples of stool are also sent to the microbiology lab to search for a bacterial or parasitic cause. In cases in which the doctor suspects a bacterial cause of colitis, he may prescribe antibiotic treatment even before obtaining test results. However, in most cases of bacterial colitis, the colitis tends to gradually resolve even without therapy.

Joint aches, fever and fatigue are symptoms that can be present with any type of colitis. You should follow up with your doctor to get the results of any tests and to monitor the activity of your colitis.