Chronic colitis is a long-standing inflammatory or ischemic process that damages the colonic mucosa and, in some forms, the deeper layers. It includes ulcerative colitis, Crohn colitis, microscopic colitis, diversion colitis, and chronic ischemic change. Symptoms wax and wane over months to years, and overlap with irritable bowel syndrome is common. Recognising the dominant pattern guides colonoscopic evaluation, histologic confirmation, and tailored therapy. Core lower-gut complaintsPersistent or relapsing diarrhea: loose or watery stools ≥3 days per week for >4 weeks; may be bloody, mucus-laden, or purely watery depending on subtype.Abdominal pain: crampy, colicky, usually left-lower-quadrant, relieved transiently by defecation.Urgency and... Learn more