The diagnosis of colitis, although not fatal, is very unpleasant. It is worth noting that this type of disease occurs more and more often, and if the treatment is started on time, it is possible to avoid a large number of problems, and even prevent cancerous growths. Differential diagnosis of colitis is the conduct of various examinations.
The diagnosis of colitis initially begins with a careful history. Along with the fact that the predominant symptoms are pain in the abdomen and diarrhea, the specialist doctor should find out how much this is already going on, and what additional manifestations appear in the patient.
Since it is impossible to determine colitis on such issues only, the doctor will want to know if there is any blood in the defecation. However, this is also not fundamental, since blood can also be released in a much more terrible disease, for example, cancer. Here is an approximate list of questions for the initial diagnosis that you will be asked at the doctor's appointment:
- Periodicity and timing of symptoms.
- Duration and character of painful sensations.
- How often and for a long time diarrhea lasts.
- What treatment has been taken recently.
- Have there been any travel.
- Have you abided by unusual diets.
- your way of life.
- There was and was the treatment of peripheral vessels or narrowed arteries. Indicator of blood pressure, cholesterol level.
- Smoking.
- Possible other complaints.
Physical examination in colitis centers in the abdomen. The specialist will diagnose the abdomen for detecting enlarged organs in abnormal sizes, in particular, attention will be paid to the liver, spleen and kidneys, which are mainly increased in colitis. It is possible to conduct a rectal examination, which is of paramount importance for edema or tumor.
It should be noted that the basic indicators are a very important part of physical diagnostics. The choice of treatment will also help indicators of temperature, blood pressure, pulse and respiration rate.
Assays - diagnosis of colitis by blood composition
Physical examination is not the only procedure that allows to diagnose colitis. A blood test submitted for examination helps to assess the stability of the patient and to identify potential problems that may be associated with the disease.
Thanks to a complete blood test, it is possible to determine the number of red and white blood cells, as well as the number of platelets. This differential diagnosis makes it possible to determine:
- Red blood cells - responsible for bleeding.
- White blood cells - are responsible for experiencing stress, in particular stress from colitis.
- Platelets - help with blood clotting, so for this diagnosis, knowing their numbers is a very useful aspect.
To determine the renal function, a technique is used to determine urea nitrogen and creatinine levels. Thanks to the analysis of feces, you can find out if you have a diagnosis of colitis, and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
If electrolyte disturbances are found, it is only natural for diarrhea. Sodium and potassium in the body have the same function. On the basis of this procedure, the presence or absence of colitis is determined.
Colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy for colitis
How is it possible to determine if there is colitis, even if the differential diagnosis performed does not give accurate results? Quite simply: a colonoscopy is required. To make a diagnosis, it is enough if you examine the cavity of the large intestine. A biopsy, that is, the removal of pieces of tissue, is taken from the mucous membrane of the colon cavity, so that a more accurate study can be made. Microscopic colitis is examined only by biopsy on the affected area. Also with the help of a biopsy, it is possible to make correct individual treatment.
Colonoscopy is the most important cancer screening. This is especially important for those patients who have blood in the feces and is not explained by another disease after the differential diagnosis was performed.
Computed tomography and radiography of the abdominal cavity
Computed tomography is used in the differential diagnosis of colitis if it is required to obtain an image of the cavity of the colon and the rest of the abdomen. Different types of inflammation differ among themselves models that assist in the formulation of a specific diagnosis.
A snapshot after an x-ray with a barium enema is used to visually inspect and evaluate the anatomy of the colon cavity, as well as the purpose of treatment.