Symptom 7: The Dehydration Danger: Collagenous Colitis and Fluid Imbalance
Symptom seven on our list is dehydration, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can occur as a result of the chronic diarrhea associated with collagenous colitis. While it’s a secondary symptom resulting from other issues, it’s crucial to recognize and manage to prevent complications.
Chronic diarrhea can lead to significant fluid and electrolyte loss, causing dehydration. Symptoms can range from mild, such as thirst and dry mouth, to severe, such as decreased urine output, dizziness, rapid heart rate, and even fainting. If severe, dehydration can require hospitalization and intravenous fluid administration.
The persistent loss of fluids and electrolytes through chronic diarrhea can disrupt the balance of substances your body needs to function properly. This imbalance can affect heart rate, muscle function, and even brain function, underlining the importance of managing this symptom.
But remember, while dehydration can indeed be a symptom of collagenous colitis, it’s also a common issue in many other conditions, particularly those involving persistent vomiting or diarrhea. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider it in the context of other symptoms and factors. (7)
