This article will discuss the various underlying conditions that may cause inflammation within the gastrointestinal tract, their causes, symptoms, treatment options, and more.
Causes of Erythematous Mucosa
Various conditions are characterized by erythematous mucosa, including gastritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. Each condition has specific signs that may indicate inflammation or injury.
Stomach
There are various causes of gastritis leading to inflammation in the stomach, including:
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) (a bacterial infection causing stomach ulcers and chronic gastritis) Bile (acid) reflux due to a partial gastrectomy (surgical removal of the stomach), muscle impairment, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen) Alcoholism Drugs Radiation Duodenal reflux (reflux occurring in a section of the small intestine) Autoimmune conditions Viral infection Disease following a bone marrow transplant Collagen accumulation
Colon
Often, the specific cause of colon inflammation or colitis is unknown, but may include the following:
Infections related to a parasite or virus Bacteria that cause food poisoning Impaired blood flow, called ischemic colitis Radiation in the colon (causing radiation colitis) A condition in newborns called necrotizing enterocolitis, which leads to tissue death in the colon (can impact premature or sick babies, and the exact cause is unknown) Clostridioides difficile,(C. diff) a bacterium that causes colitis
Rectum
Proctitis refers to inflammation of the rectum. There are many causes, including:
Crohn’s disease affects parts of the digestive tract and often causes inflammation at the end of the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine. Crohn’s disease is an autoimmune disease, meaning the immune system attacks healthy tissue. The exact cause is unknown. Ulcerative colitis affects the lining of the large intestine and the rectum. The cause is unknown, but individuals with ulcerative colitis typically also have immune system issues. Stress and certain foods can aggravate and trigger symptoms, but it is not the cause of this condition.
Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis Autoimmune diseases Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including gonorrhea, herpes, and chlamydia Bacterial infections Certain medications, like those used for radiotherapy in the prostate or pelvis
Condition-Specific Signs of Erythematous Mucosa
Depending on the underlying condition causing erythematous mucosa, symptoms will vary.
Stomach
Many individuals with gastritis don’t have symptoms. Those with symptoms may experience the following:
Loss of appetiteNausea and vomiting Pain in the upper part of the abdomen Bleeding that can cause black stools Bleeding that can cause vomiting blood or coffee ground-like substance
Colon
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis share several symptoms.
The main symptoms of Crohn’s disease are:
Abdominal cramps and pain FeverFatigue Loss of appetite and weightFeelings of needing to pass stoolWatery diarrhea that may have blood
Other symptoms of Crohn’s disease are:
Joint pain and swelling Ulcers in the mouth Red bumps or nodules under the skin that may develop into ulcers Constipation Sores or swelling in the eyes Draining of pus, mucus, or stool from the rectum or anus due to fistula (an abnormal connection between organs and/or skin) Rectal bleeding and blood in the stool Swelling of the gums
Similarly, ulcerative colitis may also present as:
Abdominal cramps and pain Fever Weight lossFeelings of needing to pass stool Diarrhea Blood and sometimes pus in the stool
Additional common symptoms of ulcerative colitis include:
Sounds of gurgling or splashing in the intestines Slow growth in children
Other less common symptoms include:
Joint pain and swellingSores or ulcers in the mouth Red bumps or nodules under the skin that may develop into ulcers Nausea and vomiting
Rectum
Since inflammation in the colon due to Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis can be the cause of proctitis, there is an overlap in symptoms. These include:
Blood in the stool Constipation Bleeding from the rectum Pus discharge Pain or discomfort in the rectum Tenesmus (pain during bowel movements)
Treatment
Treatment will vary based on whether the erythematous mucosa is in the stomach, colon, or rectum. The underlying cause of the inflammation will also influence treatment.
Stomach
Treatment for gastritis includes:
Stopping medications that may worsen the condition, like the NSAIDs aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen Taking over-the-counter (OTC) drugs that decrease stomach acid, such as antacids (Tums), H2 antagonists (Pepcid), and proton pump inhibitors (Prilosec) Antibiotics if the cause of gastritis is the bacteria H. pylori Managing diet to avoid triggering foods
Colon
The goal of treatment with inflammatory bowel diseases is to control symptoms, prevent repeated attacks, and help the colon heal.
Crohn’s disease can be managed through diet, stress management, supplementation as needed, medication, or surgery:
Dietary recommendations include:
Eating small, frequent meals Drinking enough waterAvoiding high-fiber foodsAvoiding fatty, greasy, fried food and sauces with butter, margarine, or heavy cream Limiting dairyAvoiding foods that can cause gas, like those in the cabbage family Avoiding spicy foods
Stress management is recommended as stress may worsen digestive issues.
Supplementation may be indicated if the individual is deficient. Common deficiencies due to inadequate absorption in the small or large intestine include iron, calcium, and vitamin B12.
Medication may help treat the symptoms, including:
Imodium (loperamide) to treat diarrhea Fiber supplementation Tylenol (acetaminophen) for mild pain Aminosalicylates to help control symptoms Corticosteroids to treat moderate to severe cases Immunosuppressants Antibiotics if there are abscesses or fistulas
Surgery may remove a damaged portion or the entire colon. An ileostomy may remove waste when the colon or rectum is removed or isn’t working properly.
Dietary recommendations are the same for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Individuals with ulcerative colitis should also make an effort to manage their stress.
The entire colon and rectum may be removed in cases where:
Medication doesn’t improve symptoms Changes to the lining of the colon increase risk of cancer The colon ruptures Severe bleeding Toxic megacolon (a severely inflamed colon causes insufficient blood flow)
Rectum
Inflammation in the rectum usually goes away when the underlying cause is treated. Antibiotics may be used if an infection is the cause of the inflammation. Corticosteroids, mesalamine suppositories, or enemas may help relieve symptoms.
Recurring Symptoms and Possible Complications
Stomach
The prognosis for inflammation of the stomach is often good, but it depends on the underlying cause of gastritis. Blood loss is a possible complication of gastritis.
Colon
Crohn’s disease is incurable and alternates between periods of improvement and flare-ups. A higher risk of cancer in the small bowel or colon is a complication of this condition.
About half of people with ulcerative colitis have mild symptoms. Severe symptoms associated with ulcerative colitis tend to be less responsive to medication. The risk of developing cancers increases with each decade after diagnosis.
Complications include the thickening of the intestinal walls causing severe flare-ups. This thickening can cause:
Colon narrowing or blockage Severe bleeding Severe infection Toxic megacolon Perforation of the colon (tears or holes) Anemia
Ulcerative colitis can also present problems with nutrient absorption, which can contribute to the following:
Osteoporosis Issues with maintaining a healthy weight Slow growth and development in children Anemia
Rectum
Proctitis tends to have a good outcome with treatment. Possible complications include:
Anal fistulaAnemiaRecto-vaginal fistula in womenSevere bleeding
Cancer Risk
Cancer risk increases with the state of inflammation in the various areas of the digestive tract. Below are potential risks to be aware of.
Inflammation in the stomach increases the risk of gastric cancer. Individuals with Crohn’s disease may be at higher risk of small bowel or colon cancer. Screening for colon cancer, including a colonoscopy, may be recommended for those with Crohn’s disease for more than eight years. The risk for cancer increases each decade after being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis.
A healthcare provider can help monitor your inflammation and recommend screening for cancer if needed.
Summary
Erythematous mucosa refers to redness and inflammation in the digestive tract lining, including the stomach, colon, and rectum. Various health conditions can lead to inflammation and redness, including gastritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and proctitis.
Treatment will vary depending on the condition’s cause and the severity of your symptoms. Medical treatment and monitoring will help manage symptoms and flare-ups. Inflammation of the stomach, small bowel, and colon can increase an individual’s risk of developing cancer, so a healthcare provider may recommend screenings.
A Word From Verywell
Gastritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and proctitis symptoms can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. It can be frustrating to deal with digestive discomfort, but managing lifestyle factors like diet and stress can help. Working with a healthcare provider you trust can help you manage symptoms and work towards healing your digestive tract.
Eating small, frequent meals Drinking enough water throughout the dayAvoiding high-fiber foodsAvoiding fatty, greasy, fried food and sauces with butter, margarine, or heavy cream Limiting dairy Avoiding foods that can cause gas, like foods in the cabbage family Avoiding spicy foods
Trigger foods vary by person, so understanding what triggers your symptoms can help ease digestive discomfort.
