Fact 12: Lymphocytic Colitis Explained
Lymphocytic colitis, the counterpart to collagenous colitis, represents the other subtype of microscopic colitis. Though less talked about, it’s equally significant in the broader conversation about this disease. Understanding its nuances can help demystify microscopic colitis as a whole.
Lymphocytic colitis is named due to the increased number of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) in the colon lining. Unlike collagenous colitis, there’s no thickened collagen layer here. This increased presence of lymphocytes indicates an immune response, though the exact trigger remains a matter of ongoing research.
Clinically, symptoms of lymphocytic colitis mirror those of collagenous colitis. This overlap often complicates diagnosis, making biopsies essential. Only by examining tissue samples can doctors definitively distinguish between the two conditions.
As with its collagenous counterpart, the exact causes of lymphocytic colitis are yet to be pinpointed. Medications, autoimmune reactions, and infections are all theorized triggers. Delving into a patient’s medical history can sometimes offer clues, guiding treatment pathways. (12)
