Collagenous colitis can be very distressing. Not only does its primary symptom--watery diarrhea--interrupt daily activities, it can be painful and cause weakness if left untreated. Treatment for this condition usually depends upon the severity of each case, but the good news is that several different methods can be used.
Change Eating Habits
Collagenous colitis might improve with simple dietary changes. Decreasing the amount of fat you eat can ease some symptoms, reports the Mayo Clinic. Avoid caffeine and lactose; they are also culprits. Stay away from foods that are spicy and don't drink alcohol. Don't take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (or NSAIDS) if you can help it, recommends the Cleveland Clinic. You should also stay away from foods that can cause gas and diarrhea. These foods include carbonated beverages, raw fruits and vegetables such as beans and cabbage. Because you can become dehydrated with this condition, it's best to drink plenty of fluids. Try to drink half an ounce for every pound of your body weight. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you should try to drink 75 ounces a day. Don't gulp your beverages, as this introduces air into the digestive system and can be uncomfortable. Try to eat healthy and stay away from junk foods. Any kind of treatment is likely to be more effective if you eat a healthy diet.
Try Medications
If lifestyle changes don't treat collagenous colitis successfully, some medications can help. Antidiarrheal medications such as bismuth subsalicylate (the pink, over-the-counter digestive aid), loperamide or diphenoxylate and atropine treat symptoms for many. You should try these medications one at a time, and inform your doctor. Other ingredients, such as aspirin, in these medications might not be best for long-term use.
If these medications offer no relief, a physician might prescribe other drugs. The cholesterol-lowering drug cholestyramine offers some relief of symptoms. Anti-inflammatory drugs might also be prescribed to reduce any irritation. Steroids can also be prescribed to treat irritation, reports Cleveland Clinic, but they are generally used to control a sudden attack of diarrhea. Steroids shouldn't be used long-term because side effects include high blood pressure and bone loss. Immunosuppressive agents have been used in some cases but are rarely needed. Some extreme cases of colitis have been treated by removing part of the colon, but this procedure is rarely recommended, reports the National Institutes of Health.
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