title: Microscopic colitis: an approach to treatment.
abstract: Microscopic colitis--including collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis--causes chronic watery diarrhea, usually in middle-aged or elderly patients. There is an association with celiac disease and certain medications. Medical treatment includes various antidiarrheal agents, mesalamine, corticosteroids and immunosuppressant drugs. Rarely, patients require surgery for refractory disease. An evidence-based and practical approach to treatment should optimize the treatment response while minimizing potential adverse events.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology, The University of Western Ontario, London Health Sciences Centre-South Street Hospital, London, Ontario. nchande2@uwo.ca
authors.forename: Nilesh
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Chande
mesh_terms: D000930:Antidiarrheals / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019819:Budesonide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D046728:Colitis, Microscopic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000930:Antidiarrheals; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D019819:Budesonide; D011241:Prednisone