Medical References
Diseases & Conditions
Women's Health
Mental Health
Men's Health
Medical Web Links
MOL Site Map
Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
Read more health news
Colitis
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
- View All
Prevention & Expectations
What can be done to prevent the condition?
Colitis is not always preventable. To reduce the risk of infectious colitis, a person can:
What are the long-term effects of the condition?
Long-term effects depend on the cause of the colitis. Colitis that is caused by infection usually goes away when treated with medicine. Poor blood flow to the colon may cause the tissue in the bowels to die. This is a life-threatening condition known as bowel infarction. Inflammatory bowel disease may cause permanent changes in the bowel. It can even cause colon cancer.
What are the risks to others?
Infectious colitis can be contagious. Those affected should wash their hands with soap before handling food or drink. Other causes of colitis are not contagious.