Colitis can be defined as inflammation of the colon .it most commonly refers to inflammation of the large intestine (colon, caecum and rectum).

Colitis may be acute, which is self-limited OR chronic i.e. persistent In the wrong run colitis may lead to ulcers.

Symptoms Symptoms of colitis will depend upon the type of colitis that is present, but in general, colitis most often is associated with abdominal pain and diarrhea. Other symptoms of colitis that may or may not be present include

• Blood in the bowel movement may or may not be present.
• Diarrhea can sometimes cause hemorrhoids which can bleed.
• Tenesmus may exist; this is the constant urge to have a bowel movement.

The abdominal pain may come in waves, building to diarrhea, and then waning. Fever, chills, and other signs of infection and inflammation may be present depending upon the cause of colitis

Causes The exact causes of colitis are not known. Genetics, environmental and the body's own immune system are thought to be involved:

• Genetics - about one-fifth of all patients with ulcerative colitis have a close relative who has/had the same disease. This indicates that the disease can be inherited. As ulcerative colitis is more prevalent in certain ethnic groups it is likely to have a genetic cause.Recent research has identified a faulty gene that appears to be linked to ulcerative colitis.
• Environmental - some experts believe that diet, air pollution, cigarette smoke and hygiene may be contributory factors. Ulcerative colitis is more common in urban areas of Western Europe and North America.
• Immune system - some scientists say that the body responds to a viral or bacterial infection by causing the inflammation linked to ulcerative colitis. However, for some unknown reason, when the infection has gone the immune system continues responding, which carries on causing inflammation. Some scientists disagree and say that the immune system is involved, but there is no infection trigger. They believe the immune system is faulty and fights non-existent infections, causing inflammation - this is known as an autoimmune condition.

Homeopathy has been very successful in treating both acute and chronic colitis.