Colitis, Collagenous

Important
It is possible that the main title of the report Colitis, Collagenous is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.

Synonyms

Microscopic Colitis, Collagenous Type

Disorder Subdivisions

None

General Discussion

Collagenous colitis is a rare digestive disorder that primarily affects females and typically becomes apparent during middle age. The disorder is characterized by inflammatory changes of the mucous membranes (mucosa) of the colon (colitis) and abnormal accumulation (excessive deposition) of the protein collagen beneath the surface (epithelial) layer of the mucosa (thickened subepithelial collagenous bands). The colon is the major portion of the large intestine. The medical literature often refers to collagenous colitis as a form of "microscopic colitis," since evidence of inflammation and other abnormalities may only be confirmed through microscopic (i.e., histologic) examination of multiple tissue samples.

Individuals with collagenous colitis typically experience episodes of chronic, watery, nonbloody diarrhea. In some instances, episodes may often occur at night (nocturnal diarrhea). Diarrheal episodes may be persistent or may occur at intervals (intermittent) over a period of weeks, months, or years. Other symptoms and findings that may occasionally be associated with such episodes include vague abdominal pain, abdominal swelling (distension), nausea, vomiting, and/or weight loss.

The exact cause of collagenous colitis is unknown. Possible immunological, environmental, genetic, and/or other factors are under investigation as potential causes of the disorder.
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Resources

Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America
386 Park Avenue South
17th Floor
New York, NY 10016-9804
USA
Tel: 2126853440
Fax: 2127794098
Tel: 8009322423
Email: info@ccfa.org
Internet: http://www.ccfa.org

Digestive Disease National Coalition
507 Capitol Court
Suite 200
Washington, DC 20002
Tel: (202)544-7497
Fax: (202)546-7105
Email: scott@hmcw.org
Internet: http://www.ddnc.org

NIH/National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
2 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3570
Tel: (301)654-3810
Fax: (301)907-8906
Tel: (800)891-5389
Email: nddic@info.niddk.nih.gov
Internet: http://www.niddk.nih.gov

International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
P.O. Box 170864
Milwaukee, WI 53217
USA
Tel: 4149641799
Fax: 4149647176
Tel: 8889642001
Email: iffgd@iffgd.org
Internet: http://www.iffgd.org

Gastro-Intestinal Research Foundation
70 East Lake Street
Suite 1015
Chicago, IL 60601-5907
Tel: (312)332-1350
Fax: (312)332-4757
Email: girf@earthlink.net
Internet: http://www.girf.org

Reach Out for Youth with Ileitis and Colitis, Inc.
84 Northgate Circle
Melville, NY 11747
USA
Tel: 6312933102
Fax: 6312933103
Email: reachoutforyouth@reachoutforyouth.org
Internet: http://www.reachoutforyouth.org

Pediatric Crohn's & Colitis Association, Inc.
P.O. Box 188
Newton, MA 02468
Tel: (617)489-5854
Fax: (617)489-5854
Email: questions@pcca.hypermart.net
Internet: http://pcca.hypermart.net

For a Complete Report

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.
It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report.
This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.
For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org
Last Updated: 2/21/2002
Copyright 1989, 1991, 1998, 2001, 2002 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

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