Overview
Lymphocytic colitis is a type of microscopic colitis — a condition where the lining of the large intestine (colon) becomes inflamed. The word 'microscopic' means the inflammation can only be seen under a microscope, so the colon looks normal during a colonoscopy even though something is wrong. In lymphocytic colitis, too many white blood cells called lymphocytes build up in the lining of the colon, causing it to work poorly. It is worth noting that this condition was listed as 'obsolete' in the Orphanet rare disease database, likely because it is now considered part of the broader microscopic colitis category rather than a standalone rare disease. The main symptom is chronic, watery diarrhea that can be quite disruptive to daily life. The diarrhea is usually non-bloody and can happen many times a day. People may also experience stomach cramps, bloating, and unintended weight loss. The condition tends to come and go, with flare-ups followed by periods of feeling better. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms. Doctors often start by identifying and stopping any medications that may be triggering the condition, such as certain anti-inflammatory drugs or proton pump inhibitors. Dietary changes, anti-diarrheal medicines, and steroid medications like budesonide are commonly used. Most people respond well to treatment and the condition is not life-threatening, though it can significantly affect quality of life.
Key symptoms:
Chronic watery diarrhea (often many times per day)Stomach cramps or abdominal painBloating and gasUnintended weight lossUrgency to use the bathroomNauseaFatigueDehydration from fluid lossFecal incontinence in some cases
Multifactorial
Caused by a mix of several genes and environmental factors
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Lymphocytic colitis.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for OBSOLETE: Lymphocytic colitis at this time.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Lymphocytic colitis.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to OBSOLETE: Lymphocytic colitis.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Could any of my current medications be causing or worsening my symptoms?,Should I make any specific dietary changes to help manage my diarrhea?,How long will I need to take budesonide, and what are the risks of long-term use?,How will we know if my treatment is working, and what are the next steps if it does not?,Is there a risk of this condition coming back after it improves?,Do I need any follow-up colonoscopies or monitoring over time?,Are there any clinical trials or newer treatments I should know about?
Common questions about OBSOLETE: Lymphocytic colitis
What is OBSOLETE: Lymphocytic colitis?
Lymphocytic colitis is a type of microscopic colitis — a condition where the lining of the large intestine (colon) becomes inflamed. The word 'microscopic' means the inflammation can only be seen under a microscope, so the colon looks normal during a colonoscopy even though something is wrong. In lymphocytic colitis, too many white blood cells called lymphocytes build up in the lining of the colon, causing it to work poorly. It is worth noting that this condition was listed as 'obsolete' in the Orphanet rare disease database, likely because it is now considered part of the broader microscopic
How is OBSOLETE: Lymphocytic colitis inherited?
OBSOLETE: Lymphocytic colitis follows a multifactorial inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does OBSOLETE: Lymphocytic colitis typically begin?
Typical onset of OBSOLETE: Lymphocytic colitis is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.