Microscopic colitis: an approach to treatment.

Microscopic colitis--including collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis--causes chronic watery diarrhea, usually in middle-aged or elderly patients. There is an association with celiac disease and certain medications. Medical treatment includes various antidiarrheal agents, mesalamine, corticosteroids and immunosuppressant drugs. Rarely, patients require surgery for refractory disease. An evidence-based and practical approach to treatment should optimize the treatment response while minimizing potential adverse events.