Microscopic colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that affects the colon and causes chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, and other debilitating symptoms. While it has long been considered a rare condition, recent studies suggest that microscopic colitis may be on the rise in the UK, with more and more people being diagnosed every year. In this article for The Hippocratic Post, we’ll take a closer look at the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for microscopic colitis, and explore the factors that may be contributing to its growing prevalence in the UK.
Guts UK, a national charity promoting digestive health, has shed light on the increasing number of cases of microscopic colitis in the UK. This debilitating condition often leads to misdiagnosis or undiagnosed cases, resulting in debilitating symptoms that impact many people’s lives. As many as 17,000 new instances are diagnosed every year, but the numbers could be even higher due to underreporting and misdiagnosis.
Microscopic colitis, which affects the large intestine and causes persistent, frequent and watery diarrhoea, along with stomach pain, fatigue, faecal incontinence and weight loss, is a chronic condition that can drastically reduce the quality of one’s life. The prevalence rate of the disease is higher than previously thought, with an estimated 67,000 individuals living with it in the UK, accounting for at least one in every 1,000 adults. Women, in particular, are 700% more likely to suffer from the condition than men, with most diagnoses occurring between the ages of 50 and 70.
Guts UK has published resources to raise awareness of microscopic colitis and has launched Microscopic Colitis Awareness Week to encourage more research into prevention, faster diagnoses, and treatment methods. The disease is often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed, and one in three patients with microscopic colitis are initially diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Hidden cases of the disease that go untreated due to misdiagnosis pose a challenge to public health systems.
When left untreated, especially in older adults, microscopic colitis can have a devastating impact on people’s quality of life, but the accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment can make a significant difference. People who suffer from lack of treatment often feel isolated from their peers due to the nature of their symptoms’ urgency and their need to be close to toilet facilities at all times, which can have a detrimental effect on their mental wellbeing.
The causes of microscopic colitis are not yet known, although some recent studies suggest that environmental factors or drug prescription side effects might be responsible. Therefore, Guts UK has called for further research and investment in diagnosis, risk factors identification, and treatment improvements.
Julie Harrington, the CEO of Guts UK, emphasised the importance of the first step: diagnosis. Most people with the condition can be easily treated with a course of gut-specific steroids or symptom-relieving medicines, but the priority is to get a diagnosis. Prof. Chris Probert, Professor of Gastroenterology at the University of Liverpool, emphasises the urgency of treating the condition as it tends to be severe and house-limiting, causing considerable distress to patients.
Since the disease was first described in 1976, Guts UK believes that enhancing awareness will improve and speed up diagnostic abilities, significantly reducing the average time that elapses from diagnosis to treatment.
In conclusion, it is clear that microscopic colitis is becoming an increasingly prevalent condition in the UK. While it may not be life-threatening, it can cause significant discomfort and disruption to daily life. The good news is that with proper diagnosis and treatment, most patients can manage their symptoms effectively. As with many medical conditions, early detection is key, so if you are experiencing chronic diarrhea or other digestive issues, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider. With continued research and awareness, hopefully, we can better understand and address this growing health concern.
