46-Year-Old Woman Recovered From Colitis After Proper Medical Treatment
Summary: A 46-year-old woman experienced sudden abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and watery diarrhea five days before visiting the hospital. After a series of tests and examinations, she was diagnosed with colitis. Following an 8-day inpatient treatment involving antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication, her symptoms significantly improved. One month after discharge, follow-up tests showed no signs of complications, and she was declared fully recovered.
Case Overview:
- Age: 46
- Gender: Female
- Diagnosis: Colitis
- Hospital: The First Hospital of China Medical University
- Treatment Period: September 2020
- Treatment Plan: Intravenous Levofloxacin and Glucose-Sodium Chloride solution, combined with oral Mesalazine
- Recovery Time: 8 days of hospitalization and one-month follow-up
- Outcome: Complete relief of symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
Initial Consultation:
The patient reported experiencing intermittent upper abdominal pain after consuming pork rib soup. She also suffered from severe nausea, vomiting over 10 times, and more than 20 episodes of watery diarrhea, with traces of light red blood in the stool. Despite taking over-the-counter medications like Berberine and digestive aids, her condition worsened. Upon arrival at the hospital, a CT scan revealed thickened and swollen colon walls, pelvic fluid accumulation, and signs of inflammation, leading to a suspicion of colitis. She was admitted for further evaluation and treatment.
Course of Treatment:
After admission, the patient underwent a colonoscopy which confirmed inflammation and swelling of the colon lining. A treatment plan was established focusing on infection control and hydration. She received intravenous Levofloxacin to combat infection and oral Mesalazine to reduce intestinal inflammation. Additionally, she was given intravenous glucose and sodium chloride to stabilize electrolyte levels and manage dehydration caused by persistent vomiting and diarrhea. After 8 days of hospitalization, her condition stabilized, and she was discharged with instructions to continue oral medication at home.
Progress and Recovery:
By the third day of treatment, her abdominal pain had significantly decreased, and her nausea and vomiting had subsided. Over the next few days, her bowel movements improved from watery to soft stools. By the eighth day, all symptoms had disappeared, and both colonoscopy and abdominal CT scans showed full resolution of inflammation and fluid buildup. The patient was advised to stop medication after one month and to seek medical attention if any symptoms reoccurred.
Post-Treatment Recommendations:
While the patient made a full recovery, it is important to emphasize long-term care and prevention:
1. Follow the prescribed medication regimen even after symptoms subside to prevent relapse.
2. Get adequate rest and avoid heavy physical activity for at least one month after discharge.
3. Maintain strict dietary hygiene, avoid alcohol and smoking, and eliminate spicy or irritating foods from the diet.
Final Thoughts:
This case highlights the importance of timely diagnosis and proper medical intervention in managing colitis. The patient's symptoms were likely triggered by contaminated or fatty food, which is a common cause of gastrointestinal infections. Individuals with a history of digestive issues should be especially cautious about their diet and seek medical attention at the first sign of discomfort. Early treatment can prevent complications and ensure a faster recovery.