A patient came to see me recently with a suspicion that his colitis was recurring. In general terms, colitis describes a condition when the large intestine is inflamed or irritated. Typical symptoms are diarrhea, abdominal cramping and rectal bleeding. This patient was concerned as his last 3 bowel movements were diarrhea. He had been on a medicine called mesalamine, a safe and effective treatment for colitis, but he ran out of it 2 weeks ago. While he was taking the medicine, he felt perfectly well. So, his bowel change developed 2 weeks after he ran out of his medicine. For readers who like to play doctor, choose among the following options: Schedule an urgent colonoscopy to verify that nothing has changed since his colonoscopy 6 months ago. Observe the patient without any treatment to give him time to heal himself. Recommend probiotics to restore his digestive health. Refill the mesalamine at his usual dosage. Request a 2 nd opinion because the case is
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