It is often described simply as an inflamed colon. But those who suffer from colitis know it as a nightmare that can turn a bathroom into a prison cell. Colitis can be a severe diarrhea that is constant and can occur at anytime without warning. Thus, an individual's activities and lifestyle can be terribly affected by this illness. The symptoms of colitis include bloody stool filled with mucus and accompanied by severe stomach cramps, fever, and pale or sweaty skin. Untreated colitis can cause the formation of ulcers in the intestines. Recently researchers have found food allergies, including milk, wheat, corn, eggs, and chocolate can cause the occurrence of colitis. In some cases, even antibiotic drugs and chemical preservatives in food and treated tap water are suspect. In the past, drugs were prescribed to coat the colon, slow down the fecal stream, or relax the individual, and sometimes even surgery to remove the colon was an option. Today, a more active approach is to identify the food or substance causing the illness. Once the allergens are identified, an individual can either avoid contact or be treated for the cause and not just cover up the symptoms by prescribing drugs which may have side effects or surgery which is always risky.
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