This is a confusing and controversial topic in IBD, with broad implications for treatment.
What Is Indeterminate Colitis?
IBDis often positioned as being an umbrella term that includesCrohn’s diseaseandulcerative colitis.
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It just means that the ongoing features of the disease don’t make the diagnosis clear.
How rare is indeterminate colitis?
About 5% to 15% of people with IBD have been diagnosed with IC.
Indeterminate colitis could have all or some of the attributes below.
In ulcerative colitis, the rectum tends to be inflamed in most cases.
In Crohn’s disease, the rectum may or may not show inflammation.
In fact, IBD is a complicated disease that is difficult to classify.
Is indeterminate colitis an autoimmune disease?
When and why this happens is highly variable.
Being diagnosed with one of the forms of IBD is important because it helps shape an effective treatment plan.
What’s more, certain treatments may be more effective for one form of IBD.
Treatment
In most cases, indeterminate colitis is treated with thesame medications and surgeries as ulcerative colitis.
Stool collects in the appliance and is emptied into the toilet as needed.
2019;4(3):97-103. doi:10.1159/000501519
Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.Medication options for Crohn’s disease.
Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.J-pouch surgery.
American Cancer Society.What is an ileostomy?
