Inflammation of the Colon - Colitis

How is the condition diagnosed?

Diagnosis of colitis begins with a history and physical exam. A specimen of the person's stool may be examined under a microscope. The healthcare provider may order a barium enema. This is an X-ray test done after a contrast agent is injected into the bowel through the rectum.

The provider may also order a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. These procedures involve putting a thin tube into the rectum. The tube has a light and a camera on the end of it. The doctor can advance the tube to view the inside of the bowels. A colonoscopy goes deeper into the bowel than a sigmoidoscopy.