Ischemic colitis

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Definition Symptoms Causes Risk factors Complications

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Definition

Ischemic colitis is a disorder in which part of your colon (large intestine) becomes inflamed and injured. Usually, the problem is caused by impaired blood flow to your colon. This can lead to areas of colon inflammation and, in some cases, permanent colon damage.

Ischemic colitis can affect any part of your colon, but most affected people develop pain on the left side of the abdomen. Urgent bowel movements and bloody diarrhea also are common to ischemic colitis.

Although it sounds scary, most cases of ischemic colitis are mild and resolve on their own in a couple of days. Still, because the condition can become severe, call your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of ischemic colitis.

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Symptoms