Indeterminant Colitis

Indeterminate colitis (IC) refers to cases of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in which it is not possible to definitively classify the condition as either Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis (UC) based on testing or clinical examination. Usually this is a temporary diagnosis until your doctor figures out the exact type of IBD you have.

Symptoms

Symptoms of indeterminate colitis are similar to other types of IBD, and include:

• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Frequent diarrhea
• Rectal bleeding or bloody diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Strong urges to have a bowel movement
• Fever

Treatments

In most cases, indeterminate colitis will be treated the same way as ulcerative colitis. This may include medications like immunosuppressants, biologic medications, or steroids. In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove part or all of the large intestine.

Risk Factors

Like for other types of IBD, risk factors for indeterminate colitis include:

• Race: White people, especially Ashkenazi Jews, are more likely to develop IBD
• Age: Most cases of colitis are diagnosed in people under 30 years old
• Family history: Having a close relative with IBD puts you at a higher risk