Symptom 2: The Abdominal Anguish: Collagenous Colitis and the Pain of Persistent Cramping
Moving on to the second key symptom of collagenous colitis – abdominal pain or cramping. This is a common symptom that can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, significantly affecting quality of life. It’s not just about the physical discomfort; the unpredictability of pain can also cause psychological distress, adding another layer to the challenge of living with this condition.
Collagenous colitis-induced abdominal pain generally results from inflammation and irritation of the colon. The thickened collagen layer interferes with the normal functioning of the colon, leading to cramping as the muscles contract more forcefully than usual to move the stool along the digestive tract.
But, how can you tell this abdominal pain apart from a standard stomachache? It can be tricky, as abdominal pain is a common symptom of many digestive disorders. However, if the pain is persistent, recurrent, and associated with other symptoms such as chronic diarrhea, it could indicate collagenous colitis. (2)
