Pancolitisis inflammation of the entirecolon, or large intestine.
The exact cause of pancolitis is not well understood.
However, it may be brought on by certain intestinal infections or other inflammatory conditions.
PixelsEffect / E+ / Getty Images
Pancolitis is also known as pan-ulcerative colitis, extensive colitis, total colitis, or universal colitis.
It is a chronic disease, meaning it is often brought on slowly over a long period of time.
Surgery can be curative, and it can be controlled with medications.
In pancolitis, the inflammation and ulcers cover the entire length of the colon.
Nevertheless, common symptoms include:
Causes
The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is still unknown.
They may also want to do a physical exam, blood tests, or ask for a stool sample.
This can help rule out other possible causes for your symptoms, such as bacterial or viral infections.
Your doctor may also take a biopsy during the colonoscopy.
This is a tissue sample from your colon that will be tested for any infections or diseases.
Many people with pancolitis will notice that certainfoodsor stressors can trigger flare-ups.
These work to reduce the inflammation in your colon.
Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are another common medication for pancolitis.
Other common medications for pancolitis and UC are immune system suppressors orimmunomodulators.
These help reduce inflammation in your colon by decreasing the activity of your immune system.
This can keep your immune system from attacking your colon and causing inflammation and ulcers.
Immunomodulators can have serious side effects, including increased risk of infections, anemia, and cancer.
Biologic therapies, such as Remicade (infliximab), are another option.
They may be used from the time of diagnosis if you have pancolitis or severe disease.
During the surgery, your doctor will create anew passagewayfor stool to exit your body.
Pancolitis is a chronic condition, although symptoms can vary over time.
Coping
Pancolitis can affect your quality of life, as well as your relationships and work.
Othercoping strategiesinclude becoming educated on your disease, problem-solving, and positive reevaluation of upsetting or stressful experiences.
It has symptoms including abdominal pain, bloody stools, and diarrhea.
The exact cause is unknown.
It is diagnosed by physical examination and colonoscopy.
Treatment for pancolitis includes lifestyle changes and medications to manage the symptoms.
Surgery to remove the colon and rectum may be done in severe cases and is the only cure.
Childers RE, Baron P, Kahare BN, et al.Predictors of progression to pancolitis in ulcerative colitis.Gastroenterology.
2011;140(5):S-426.
doi:10.1016/S0016-5085(11)61750-2
Ulcerative colitis.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
2013;9(9):573583.
2019 Mar;114(3):384-413. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000000152
Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.Emotional factors fact sheet.
2020;192(45):E1394-402.
