Viruses and bacteria can cause colon infections. Most are food-borne illnesses or "food poisoning." Common bacterial causes include Shigella, E Coli, Salmonella and Campylobacter. These infections may cause bloody diarrhea and can result in significant dehydration. Parasites such as giardia can cause significant diarrhea. The parasite can enter the body when infected water is swallowed. The source may be from recreational water such as rivers, lakes, and swimming pools. It may also be contaminated from a water well or cistern.

Pseudomembranous colitis is caused by the bacteria Clostridium difficile (C. difficile). This disorder is often seen in patients who have recently been taking antibiotics for an infection. The antibiotic alters the normal bacteria present in the colon and allows an overgrowth of the Clostridium bacteria. Clostridium bacteria produce a toxin that causes diarrhea. This is an infection, and often there is a fever present. Our TCM clinical practice has showed that integration of Chinese medicine and western medicine is a very good choice for this disease. When treating colitis, Chinese doctors will take everything into consideration, including the following conditons.

1. Genetics: The main risk factor is genetics. If anyone in your immediate family has been diagnosed with this disease, you're more likely to get it.
2. Location: As the western lifestyle infiltrates other countries, their risk of this disease increases.
3. Age: Most people are diagnosed with ulcerative colitis before the age of 30, but anywhere between 20 and 50 is common.