For many people, coping with the symptoms of colitis can be difficult. Symptoms such as chronic diarrhea may include a loss of bowel control and can be embarrassing and limit outdoor activities because of lack of bathroom access . This loss of control is known as fecal incontinence.

In addition, dietary restrictions can make eating in social settings an uncomfortable experience. If you are eating out, you may want to ask for a menu ahead of time. This way, you can ask questions about ingredients or other matters before you go.

Abdominal pain and cramping may also make it awkward to be out in public. Furthermore, you may not feel comfortable discussing the matter with others.

You and your loved ones can take actions to help you cope with this condition. These actions include:

1. Know your risk.

Not everyone has the same risk of developing colitis. The precise cause of this condition is unknown. Because colitis appears to run in families, genetics and heredity may play a role. Another potential cause is the immune system. People with colitis experience an overreaction of their immune system. After the immune system is triggered to fight harmful substances, it appears unable to turn off. It continues to attack normal intestinal cells, leading to chronic inflammation and irritation. The cause of this problem is unknown, although infection, injury, dietary choices or environmental triggers may play a role.

Men and women appear to be at equal risk of developing colitis. However, certain factors appear to be related to the potential for developing colitis. If many of these factors apply to you, speak with your doctor about your risk of developing this condition. These factors include: