Colitis
Colitis means inflammation of the colon and can happen because of infection, inflammatory bowel disease, or reduced blood flow.
When to get help quickly: Urgent review is important if there is heavy bleeding, severe pain, dehydration, fever, or concern about toxic colitis or bowel perforation.
Common symptoms
Symptoms may include diarrhea, abdominal pain, urgency, blood in the stool, fever, bloating, and feeling unwell during flare-ups.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps when symptoms are severe, when another abdominal problem needs to be ruled out, or when doctors are checking for complications such as dilation or perforation.
What radiology does
CT can help show bowel wall thickening, inflammation, complications, and how much of the colon is involved.
What usually happens next
Treatment depends on the cause and may include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory treatment, fluids, or specialist bowel care.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.
Related scan guides
- CT EnterographyCT enterography uses oral contrast to distend the small intestine and CT imaging to assess its wall and surrounding tissues. It can help doctors look at an area of the digestive tract that is otherwise very hard to see.
- MR Enterography (Small Bowel)An MR Enterography is a special MRI scan focused specifically on the small intestine. It is highly effective for investigating abdominal pain, internal bleeding, and tracking inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease.
- CT ColonoscopyA CT Colonoscopy, also known as Virtual Colonoscopy, is a special type of CT scan used to examine the large intestine (colon and rectum). It uses X-rays and computer technology to create detailed 3D images of the inside of the bowel.