Inflamed Colon: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Causes & Treatment

Created by: Tua Saude editing team

An inflamed colon refers to discomfort or irritation in the large intestine that can cause symptoms like pain, bloating, or irregular bowel movements. The colon is the last part of the digestive system and is responsible for absorbing water and electrolytes from food while forming stool before elimination.

When the colon doesn’t function properly, it can lead to a variety of symptoms that affect daily life. In most cases, these symptoms aren’t linked to a serious condition. The most common cause of an inflamed colon is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), although other digestive disorders can also lead to inflammation.

Treatment for an inflamed colon depends on the symptoms and their cause. A healthcare provider may recommend medications, dietary changes, or stress management therapies to relieve discomfort and prevent flare-ups.

Doctor assessing patient's abdomen

Main symptoms

The most common symptoms of an inflamed colon include:

  • Abdominal pain or cramping, which may improve after a bowel movement

  • Abdominal bloating or swelling

  • Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between both

  • Excessive gas or flatulence

  • A feeling of incomplete evacuation

  • Mucus in the stool

  • Fatigue or general discomfort

The severity and frequency of these symptoms can vary depending on the individual and the underlying cause.

Confirming a diagnosis

Diagnosing an inflamed colon, especially when irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is suspected, usually begins with a detailed review of symptoms and medical history. The doctor will perform a physical exam to rule out other possible conditions.

In many cases, complex tests are not needed. However, if symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, rectal bleeding, fever, or a family history of intestinal disease are present, the doctor may order blood tests, stool studies, or a colonoscopy to rule out other causes.

A diagnosis is typically confirmed when symptoms have occurred at least once a week for the past three months and began at least six months earlier.

Common causes

An inflamed colon can be caused by several factors, including:

  • Changes in the movement and sensitivity of the intestines

  • Disruptions in communication between the brain and the digestive tract

  • Previous gastrointestinal infections

  • Stress and emotional factors

  • Imbalances in gut bacteria (microbiome)

  • Genetic and hormonal influences

  • Food intolerances

Often, more than one of these factors contributes to inflammation, and the specific cause can vary from person to person.

Treatment options

The treatment for an inflamed colon depends on the person’s symptoms and needs. It may involve medication, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes.

1. Medications

A gastroenterologist may recommend one or more medications depending on the symptoms. Common treatment options include:

  • Simethicone: Helps reduce bloating and relieve gas

  • Activated charcoal: Can help decrease intestinal gas formation

  • Alpha-galactosidase: Useful for reducing discomfort caused by intolerance to certain sugars

  • Antispasmodics (e.g., hyoscyamine or dicyclomine): Relieve colon muscle spasms and abdominal pain

  • Antidiarrheals (e.g., loperamide): Help reduce bowel movement frequency

  • Antibiotics (e.g., rifaximin): Used in select cases to reduce bacterial overgrowth

  • Fiber supplements: Help increase stool volume and promote regularity

  • Mild laxatives (e.g., polyethylene glycol): Ease constipation

  • Probiotics: Support healthy gut bacteria balance

  • Low-dose antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline or nortriptyline): Help relieve chronic abdominal pain

  • Other medications: Such as lubiprostone, linaclotide, or plecanatide, which are used in chronic cases under medical supervision

These medications should only be taken under medical guidance, as the proper type and dosage depend on each person’s condition and health needs.

2. Dietary changes

Diet plays an important role in managing an inflamed colon. Increasing fiber intake, avoiding foods that cause gas or discomfort, and reducing fatty foods can help ease symptoms.

In some cases, following a low FODMAP diet under the supervision of a nutritionist may be recommended. During acute flare-ups, when symptoms are intense, a gentle, easy-to-digest diet is best to allow the intestines to rest and recover.

During this phase, it’s helpful to eat cooked fruits and vegetables without skins or seeds, soups, natural juices, soft foods like mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes, and lean proteins such as chicken or fish.

Personalizing the diet with the help of a healthcare professional is important since food tolerance varies among individuals. Avoiding unnecessary food restrictions also helps maintain proper nutrition.

3. Other treatments

Alongside medication and diet, several lifestyle strategies can help relieve symptoms of an inflamed colon:

  • Regular physical activity

  • Stress management practices, such as yoga or meditation

  • Psychological therapy for those with anxiety or depression

  • Getting enough sleep and maintaining consistent mealtimes

These measures can significantly improve quality of life and reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms.

Is an inflamed colon dangerous?

An inflamed colon caused by irritable bowel syndrome is not typically dangerous and doesn’t lead to permanent intestinal damage. It also doesn’t increase the risk of colon cancer or other serious diseases. However, the discomfort it causes can still affect daily activities and overall well-being.

If symptoms such as rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, fever, or a family history of serious intestinal diseases occur, it’s important to seek medical advice to rule out other conditions.

Update History
We regularly update our content with the latest scientific information to maintain an exceptional level of quality.
  • 8 November, 2025 (Current version)
    Updated by Daisy Oliveira - Registered Nurse
  • 4 November, 2025
  • Created on November, 2025

References
  • Lacy BE, Pimentel M, Brenner DM, et al. ACG clinical guideline: management of irritable bowel syndrome. Am J Gastroenterol. 2021;116(1)():17-44.
  • Mayer EA, Ryu HJ, Bhatt RR. The neurobiology of irritable bowel syndrome. Mol Psychiatry. 2023;28(4)():1451-1465.
  • Raskov H, Burcharth J, Pommergaard HC, Rosenberg J. Irritable bowel syndrome, the microbiota and the gut-brain axis. Gut Microbes. 2016;7(5)():365-383.
  • Hillestad EMR, van der Meeren A, Nagaraja BH, et al. Gut bless you: the microbiota-gut-brain axis in irritable bowel syndrome. World J Gastroenterol. 2022;28(4)():412-431.
  • Chen M, Xiao D, Liu W, et al. Intake of ginger and turmeric and risk of cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2022;13():817100.
  • Vasant DH, Paine PA, Black CJ, et al. British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines on the management of irritable bowel syndrome. Gut. 2021;70(7)():1214-1240.
  • Black CJ, Thakur ER, Houghton LA, Quigley EMM, Moayyedi P, Ford AC. Efficacy of psychological therapies for irritable bowel syndrome: systematic review and network meta-analysis. Gut. 2020;69(8)():1441-1451.
  • Kinsinger SW. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for patients with irritable bowel syndrome: current insights. Psychol Res Behav Manag. 2017;10():231-237.
  • Ford AC, Lacy BE, Talley NJ. Irritable bowel syndrome. N Engl J Med. 2017;376(26)():2566-2578.
  • Lembo AJ, Lacy BE, Zuckerman MJ, et al. Eluxadoline for irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea. N Engl J Med. 2016;374(3)():242-253.
  • Black CJ, Burr NE, Quigley EMM, Moayyedi P, Houghton LA, Ford AC. Efficacy of secretagogues in patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation: systematic review and network meta-analysis. Gastroenterology. 2018;155(6)():1753-1763.
  • Cangemi DJ, Lacy BE. Management of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea: a review of nonpharmacological and pharmacological interventions. Therap Adv Gastroenterol. 2019;12():1756284819878950.
  • Chapman RW, Stanghellini V, Geraint M, Halphen M. Randomized clinical trial: macrogol/PEG 3350 plus electrolytes for treatment of patients with constipation associated with irritable bowel syndrome. Am J Gastroenterol. 2013;108(9)():1508-1515.
  • Rahimi R, Nikfar S, Rezaie A, Abdollahi M. Efficacy of tricyclic antidepressants in irritable bowel syndrome: a meta-analysis. World J Gastroenterol. 2009;15(13)():1548-1553.
  • Ford AC, Wright-Hughes A, Alderson SL, et al. Amitriptyline at low-dose and titrated for irritable bowel syndrome as second-line treatment in primary care (ATLANTIS): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet. 2023;402(10414)():1773-1785.