Colon Infection (Colitis & Diverticulitis)

What is a colon infection?

The colon, also known as the large intestine, is a vital part of the digestive system. The long, tube-like organ is located at the end of the digestive tract. It is responsible for extracting water and electrolytes from solid waste before they are eliminated from the body. The colon also absorbs certain nutrients and houses good bacteria that aid in digestion.

Due to its significance, it is important for you to protect your colon from diseases and illnesses, such as colon infections. Colon infection refers to an inflammatory or infectious condition affecting the colon. While there are many types of colon infections, the primary ones are:

• Colitis: colitis is an inflammation of the colon caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, or inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. 
• Diverticulitis: diverticulitis is an inflammation or infection of pouches in the colon wall that causes abdominal pain, fever, and digestive issues.

What causes colonic inflammation/ infection ?

Depending on which subtype of colitis you are diagnosed with, the causes can be:

• Allergic colitis: allergic colitis typically affects breastfeeding babies. It is caused by immune response to certain proteins in food especially milk.
• Diversion colitis: diversion colitis is a post-colostomy side effect in the colon's non-functional part.
• Infectious colitis: infectious colitis is caused by a bacterial, parasitic or viral infection, as most people get it from consuming contaminated food or water.
• Ischaemic colitis: ischaemic colitis is a side effect of intestinal ischaemic syndrome, where your intestines are receiving insufficient blood supply.
• Pseudomembranous colitis: pseudomembranous colitis is caused by a specific type of bacterium, and patients typically contract it by taking antibiotics. 
• Radiation colitis: radiation colitis is caused by radiation therapy in cancer treatment.

Meanwhile, there is no known singular cause of diverticulitis. However, some factors can increase the risk of developing the disease, such as:

• Decreased immune function
• Diet
• Genetics
• Medications like steroids
• Obesity
• Physical Inactivity
• Smoking

What are the symptoms of a colon infection?

Common symptoms of a colon infection include:

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhoea
• Rectal bleeding
• Urgent and frequent bowel movements
• Abdominal cramps
• Unintended weight loss
• Fever
• Vomiting and nausea
• Bloating

How is a colon infection diagnosed in Singapore?

Colon infections can be diagnosed through various methods, depending on the suspected cause and severity. Generally, the diagnostic approaches for colon infection in Singapore include:

• Medical history and physical examination: the initial step typically involves your specialist asking about your medical history and discussing your symptoms. A thorough physical examination will be performed to assess for signs of inflammation, tenderness, or other abnormalities in the abdomen. 
• Colonoscopy: a colonoscopy refers to a flexible tube with a camera inserted through the rectum into the colon to visually inspect the colon's lining and, if necessary, take tissue samples for a biopsy. This is usually performed when inflammation settles to reduce risk of injury.
• Stool tests: a stool sample is analysed to identify the presence of bacteria, parasites, or other pathogens.
• Colon tissue biopsy: if abnormalities are found during a colonoscopy, a tissue sample is examined for signs of infection, inflammation or tumour.
• Imaging tests: to determine the extent of the infection, imaging tests such as a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be performed.

What are the treatment options for colon infections in Singapore?

The treatment plan will depend heavily on your diagnosis. But generally, the treatment options for a colon infection in Singapore includes:

• Medication: medicines such as antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or antiviral medications may be prescribed to treat the colon infection.
• Dietary changes: individuals may be advised to avoid foods that trigger symptoms.
• Surgery: in severe cases of colitis, particularly if there are complications such as perforation, severe bleeding, or toxic megacolon, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgery may involve removing the affected segment of the colon (colectomy) or creating an ostomy to divert faecal flow away from the inflamed or damaged colon.

Frequently asked questions

How long does an inflamed colon take to heal?

The time it takes for an inflamed colon to heal can vary widely depending on several factors, including the underlying cause of the inflammation, the severity of the inflammation, the individual's overall health, and the effectiveness of treatment. In general, mild cases of colitis may resolve relatively quickly with appropriate treatment, while more severe or chronic cases may take longer to heal. 

Can I have both colitis and diverticulitis at the same time?

Yes, an individual can have both colitis and diverticulitis simultaneously, although it is relatively uncommon. 

How can I prevent a colon infection?

Adopting a healthier lifestyle and diet is the general rule in keeping your colon healthy. This entails eating more vegetables, incorporating exercises into your routine, monitoring your weight, limiting alcohol intake, and adhering to screening guidelines to monitor your colon health.