Signs of Ischemic Colitis

Ischemic colitis is a condition in which the large intestine is injured or inflamed due to inadequate blood flow to the colon (large intestine). It is one of the most common conditions that affect the large bowel. Symptoms of ischemic colitis can be mild, but it is important to know that the condition can become severe and in some cases, even life threatening. It can occur in any part of the colon but tend to cause pain and discomfort on the left side where the descending colon and sigmoid colon are located.

Some of the common signs and symptoms of ischemic colitis include:

-Abdominal pain. Abdominal pain that is localized on the left side, this includes any tenderness or cramping that becomes unusually severe.

-Blood in the stool. Bright red blood in the stool is an important symptom and indicator of a disorder or an injury in the digestive tract. Mucous in the stool is also an important symptom.

-Diarrhea that is progressively persistent and becomes painful or is accompanied by dark red blood clots.

-Severe nausea and vomiting.

-An urgency to have several bowel movements or incontinence of the bowel.

-Persistent fevers. Bacteria thrive on a warm climate. A high in fever in ischemic colitis triggers the body's immune system to fight off bacteria. If a fever rises above 105° or lasts longer than 48 to 72 hours it is necessary to seek immediate medical attention.

-Abdominal distention. Abdominal distention is a swelling of the abdomen.

-Dehydration. A part of the colons function is to keep the body hydrated. Signs of dehydration include, but are not limited to, dry skin that cracks and bleeds easily, excessive thirst, dry mouth, and little or no urination.

-Very low blood pressure or a rapid heart rate. This could be an indication of fluid leaking through the lining of the part of the colon that is injured or inflamed.

Ischemic colitis progresses in three stages:

Stage I: In the first stage, the "hyperactive" stage, the major symptoms are abdominal pain, urgency to move the bowel, diarrhea, and blood in the stool.

Stage II: In the second stage, the "paralytic" stage, the symptoms will become acute. Abdominal pain will worsen and become more extensive, the belly may be tender to touch and become distended, and bowel movements may slow down or become absent.

Stage III: In the third stage, the "shock" stage, one of the first symptoms will be a fever that is persistent. During the third stage of ischemic colitis fluids start to leak through the damaged or injured parts of the colon. This will cause the more critical symptoms such as dehydration, a rapid heart rate, and very low blood pressure If ischemic colitis is diagnosed early in the first stage it can be treated immediately and may not progress any further.

Sources:

www.merck.com
www.mayclinic.com
www.emedicine.com