Concerned person with microscopic colitis symptoms, seeking diagnosis and relief.

Chronic Diarrhea: Unmasking Microscopic Colitis

Avery Sinclair in Health & Wellness July 2025 • 4 min read.

"Persistent diarrhea got you down? It might be microscopic colitis. Learn about the symptoms, diagnosis, and effective treatments to regain control of your digestive health."

Chronic diarrhea can significantly disrupt your life, leading to discomfort, inconvenience, and a diminished quality of life. While many associate these symptoms with common conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), it's essential to consider other potential underlying causes.

One such condition is microscopic colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation of the large intestine that is only visible under a microscope. Often overlooked due to its similarity to IBS, microscopic colitis is becoming increasingly recognized as a significant contributor to persistent digestive issues.

This article aims to shed light on microscopic colitis, exploring its symptoms, diagnostic methods, and available treatment options. By understanding this condition, you can work with your healthcare provider to receive an accurate diagnosis and develop an effective management plan.

When Should You Suspect Microscopic Colitis?

Concerned person with microscopic colitis symptoms, seeking diagnosis and relief.

Microscopic colitis often presents with chronic, watery diarrhea, which can be particularly bothersome at night. Patients may also experience abdominal pain, cramping, and weight loss. Due to these symptoms, microscopic colitis is easily confused with other conditions, particularly IBS.

Several factors may increase the likelihood of microscopic colitis. The condition is more prevalent in women over 50. Certain medications, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acarbose, ranitidine, and ticlopidine, have been linked to an increased risk. Additionally, individuals with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders, diabetes, and celiac disease may also be at higher risk.

Chronic watery diarrhea: Frequent, loose stools that persist for several weeks or longer.
Nocturnal diarrhea: Diarrhea that occurs primarily at night, disrupting sleep.
Abdominal pain and cramping: Discomfort in the abdomen, ranging from mild to severe.
Fecal incontinence: Difficulty controlling bowel movements, leading to accidental leakage.
Weight loss: Unintentional decrease in body weight due to malabsorption or decreased appetite.

It's crucial to consult a healthcare provider if you experience these symptoms, especially if they persist or worsen. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage the condition and improve your quality of life.

Don't Suffer in Silence: Seeking Answers and Support

If you're experiencing persistent diarrhea or other concerning digestive symptoms, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider. Microscopic colitis is a treatable condition, and with proper diagnosis and management, you can regain control of your digestive health and improve your overall well-being. Remember, you're not alone, and effective solutions are available.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

What is microscopic colitis and how does it differ from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Microscopic colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation of the large intestine. Unlike IBS, which is a functional gastrointestinal disorder, microscopic colitis involves visible inflammation under a microscope. This distinction is crucial because it affects how the conditions are diagnosed and treated. The chronic, watery diarrhea experienced in microscopic colitis can be similar to IBS, making accurate diagnosis essential for effective management. Recognizing the unique inflammatory component of microscopic colitis allows for targeted treatments that address the underlying cause of the symptoms, leading to improved quality of life for those affected.

What are the key symptoms of microscopic colitis, and why is early diagnosis so important?

Key symptoms of microscopic colitis include chronic, watery diarrhea, often occurring at night, as well as abdominal pain, cramping, fecal incontinence, and weight loss. These symptoms can significantly disrupt daily life and lead to discomfort. Early diagnosis is crucial because it allows for prompt initiation of treatment, which can help manage the condition and prevent complications. Furthermore, early intervention can improve the patient's quality of life by reducing the frequency and severity of symptoms, helping to regain control of digestive health and overall well-being.

What factors might increase the likelihood of developing microscopic colitis?

Several factors may increase the likelihood of developing microscopic colitis. The condition is more prevalent in women over 50. Certain medications, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acarbose, ranitidine, and ticlopidine, have been linked to an increased risk. Additionally, individuals with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders, diabetes, and celiac disease may also be at higher risk. Understanding these risk factors can help individuals and healthcare providers identify those who may be more susceptible to the condition, facilitating early detection and intervention.

How is microscopic colitis diagnosed?

Microscopic colitis is diagnosed through a combination of evaluating symptoms and performing a colonoscopy with biopsies. Because the inflammation is only visible under a microscope, a colonoscopy is essential to obtain tissue samples from the large intestine. These biopsies are then examined by a pathologist who can identify the characteristic microscopic changes associated with the disease. The diagnostic process ensures an accurate identification of microscopic colitis and distinguishes it from other conditions, such as IBS, which can present similar symptoms.

If I suspect I have microscopic colitis, what steps should I take?

If you suspect you have microscopic colitis, the first step is to consult with your healthcare provider. Discuss your symptoms, including the frequency and nature of your diarrhea, any abdominal pain or cramping, and any other concerning symptoms. Your healthcare provider will likely conduct a physical examination and may order tests, such as blood tests or stool samples, to rule out other conditions. The next step is a colonoscopy with biopsies, which is critical for diagnosing microscopic colitis. This will allow your healthcare provider to make an accurate diagnosis and develop an effective management plan, allowing you to regain control of your digestive health and improve your quality of life.