<unk>  (also spelled<unk>  is a medical condition in which inflammation and injury of the large intestine result from inadequate blood supply. Although uncommon in the general population,<unk>  occurs with greater frequency in the elderly, and is the most common form of bowel<unk> . Causes of the reduced blood flow can include changes in the systemic circulation (e.g. low blood pressure) or local factors such as constriction of blood vessels or a blood clot. In most cases, no specific cause can be identified.<unk>  is usually suspected on the basis of the clinical setting, physical examination, and laboratory test results; the diagnosis can be confirmed by endoscopy or by using sigmoid or endoscopic placement of a visible light spectroscopic catheter (see Diagnosis).<unk>  can span a wide spectrum of severity; most patients are treated supportively and recover fully, while a minority with very severe<unk>  may develop sepsis and become critically, sometimes fatally, ill. Patients with mild to moderate<unk>  are usually treated with IV fluids, analgesia, and bowel rest (that is, no food or water by mouth) until the symptoms resolve. Those with severe<unk>  who develop complications such as sepsis, intestinal gangrene, or bowel perforation may require more aggressive interventions such as surgery and intensive care. Most patients make a full recovery; occasionally, after severe<unk> , patients may develop long-term complications such as a stricture or chronic colitis.
Ischemic colitis
Ulcerative colitis
Diversion colitis
Chemical colitis
Collagenous colitis
Cytomegalovirus colitis
Microscopic colitis
Diverticulitis