9 Symptoms of Colitis & Gut Inflammation to Watch for

Imagine trying to go about your day, but your stomach is constantly in turmoil. You experience cramps, bloatedness, and that nagging sense that something just isn’t right deep within your gut.

For many people, these are signs of colitis or gut inflammation, two common yet often misunderstood conditions. Whether it’s caused by autoimmune disorders like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, or even bacterial infections, gut inflammation can wreak havoc on your digestive health, causing discomfort and frustration.

What makes colitis so tricky is that its symptoms can mimic those of other common gastrointestinal issues, making it easy to overlook or dismiss them. However, understanding the signs early is key to managing and treating the condition effectively.

Did you know that 1 in 4 people with chronic colitis experience symptoms for over 6 months before being diagnosed? If left untreated, this condition can lead to more serious complications, like permanent damage to the colon.

So, what should you be on the lookout for? Abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding are often the most common and concerning symptoms. But that’s not all.

Gut inflammation can present in a variety of ways, from feeling unexpectedly fatigued to dealing with unexplained weight loss or fever. For those suffering from colitis, it can sometimes feel like a constant battle with their own body.

But here’s the good news: the sooner you identify these signs and seek proper treatment, the better the chances of managing symptoms and preventing long-term damage. In this article, we’ll break down the 9 key symptoms of colitis and gut inflammation that you shouldn’t ignore.

Being proactive about your gut health is the first step in taking control and finding the relief you deserve.

Table of Contents

What is Colitis & Gut Inflammation?

Colitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the inner lining of the colon (large intestine), while gut inflammation is a broader term describing this inflammatory response anywhere along the digestive tract.

This distinction is important because while all colitis is a form of gut inflammation, not all gut inflammation is colitis, as it can also occur in the stomach (gastritis) or small intestine (enteritis).

What Does The Term “Colitis” Specifically Refer to?

The term “colitis” directly refers to inflammation located within the colon, derived from the Greek root “kolon” (for the large intestine) and the suffix “-itis” (meaning inflammation). This specificity is vital in medicine, as it immediately tells a clinician where in the vast gastrointestinal system the problem lies.

The colon, the longest part of the large intestine, plays a crucial role in the final stages of digestion. Its primary functions are to absorb water and electrolytes from indigestible food matter and to compact the remaining waste material into stool for elimination. When the lining of the colon, known as the mucosa, becomes inflamed, these functions are severely disrupted.

The inflammation compromises the integrity of the mucosal barrier. An inflamed colon cannot absorb water effectively, which is a primary reason for the persistent, watery diarrhea characteristic of the condition.

Furthermore, the inflammation can cause the tissue to become fragile and ulcerated, leading to bleeding and the production of mucus and pus, which are then mixed with the stool. This disruption also affects the smooth muscle contractions (peristalsis) that move waste through the colon, often causing cramping, pain, and a sense of urgency.

Understanding that “colitis” points specifically to the colon helps differentiate it from other inflammatory conditions of the gut, such as Crohn’s disease, which can affect any part of the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus, or celiac disease, which primarily involves inflammation in the small intestine.

Inflammation Manifesting In the Gut Lining

Inflammation in the gut lining manifests as a complex immune response where the body’s defense mechanisms mistakenly attack the gastrointestinal tract, causing redness, swelling (edema), and tissue damage, often leading to ulceration.

This process is the body’s standard reaction to injury or invasion, but in conditions like colitis, the immune system is inappropriately activated against the body’s own tissues or harmless gut bacteria.

The process begins when immune cells are recruited to the gut lining. These cells, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, and macrophages, release a cascade of potent chemical messengers called cytokines and prostaglandins.

Specifically, these chemicals are responsible for the classic signs of inflammation. They cause the small blood vessels in the gut wall to dilate and become more permeable, which leads to two key effects. First, the increased blood flow causes the tissue to appear red and feel warm.

Second, the leaky vessels allow fluid, proteins, and immune cells to move from the bloodstream into the gut tissue, causing it to swell, a condition known as edema. This swelling thickens the intestinal wall, which can narrow the passage and contribute to pain and cramping.

This persistent inflammatory state ultimately leads to tissue destruction. The delicate mucosal lining erodes, creating sores known as ulcers. These ulcers are the source of bleeding and can also produce pus as the body attempts to fight what it perceives as an infection.

This physiological cascade from immune cell activation to tissue ulceration is directly responsible for the most prominent symptoms of colitis, including bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and urgency.

9 Primary Symptoms of Colitis & Gut Inflammation

Persistent Diarrhea

This is arguably the hallmark symptom of colitis. Unlike occasional diarrhea from a stomach bug, the diarrhea in colitis is chronic, lasting for weeks or months. It occurs because the inflamed colon is unable to perform its primary function of absorbing water from stool.

The result is frequent, loose, and watery bowel movements. The stool may also contain visible mucus or pus, which are byproducts of the inflammatory process and ulceration in the gut lining.

Abdominal Pain and Cramping

The pain associated with colitis is often described as a cramping or spasming sensation, typically felt in the lower abdomen.

This pain arises from two main sources: the irritation of nerve endings in the inflamed intestinal wall and the forceful, uncoordinated contractions of the colon’s muscles as they struggle to move stool through the swollen and ulcerated areas. The pain can range from a dull, persistent ache to sharp, debilitating cramps that may be temporarily relieved by a bowel movement.

Rectal Bleeding

The presence of blood in the stool is a significant warning sign. In colitis, bleeding occurs when the inflammation erodes the delicate lining of the colon, creating open sores or ulcers that ooze blood.

The blood is typically bright red because it originates from the lower part of the digestive tract and has not had time to be digested. It can appear mixed in with the stool, as streaks on the surface of the stool, or on toilet paper after wiping.

Urgent Bowel Movements

Often referred to as tenesmus, this symptom is characterized by a sudden, intense, and often painful urge to defecate, even if the bowel is empty.

This sensation is caused by inflammation in the rectum, which tricks the nerves into sending signals to the brain that the bowel is full and needs to be evacuated immediately. This can lead to frequent, unproductive trips to the bathroom and a distressing loss of bowel control (incontinence).

Unexplained Weight Loss

Significant and unintentional weight loss is a common and concerning symptom of moderate to severe gut inflammation. This occurs for several reasons.

First, chronic inflammation increases the body’s metabolic rate, meaning it burns more calories at rest just to fuel the overactive immune response. Second, abdominal pain, cramping, and nausea can lead to a significant loss of appetite, reducing overall food intake.

Finally, the damaged gut lining is less efficient at absorbing nutrients from food (a condition known as malabsorption), so even when a person is eating, their body may not be getting the calories and nutrients it needs to maintain a healthy weight.

Fatigue and Low Energy

The fatigue associated with colitis is more than just feeling tired; it can be a debilitating exhaustion that is not relieved by rest. This profound lack of energy stems from a combination of factors.

The body expends a tremendous amount of energy maintaining a constant state of inflammation. Chronic blood loss from rectal bleeding can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, which reduces the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity and causes fatigue.

Furthermore, poor nutrient absorption, dehydration from diarrhea, and sleep disruption due to pain or frequent nighttime bowel movements all contribute to this overwhelming sense of exhaustion.

Fever

A low-grade but persistent fever is another sign that the body is fighting significant inflammation. The immune cells involved in the inflammatory process release chemicals called pyrogens (including certain cytokines) that travel to the brain’s hypothalamus, which acts as the body’s thermostat.

These chemicals signal the hypothalamus to raise the body’s core temperature. A fever is a classic component of the systemic inflammatory response and often indicates a flare-up of the disease or a potential complication, such as an infection.

Joint Pain and Swelling (Arthritis)

Joint pain is one of the most common extra-intestinal symptoms, affecting up to 30% of people with inflammatory bowel disease.

This condition, known as enteropathic arthritis, typically affects the large joints of the limbs, such as the knees, ankles, and elbows, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling that often mirrors the activity of the bowel inflammation, worsening during a flare-up and improving during remission.

Another form, ankylosing spondylitis, can affect the spine and sacroiliac joints, leading to chronic back pain and stiffness. The underlying cause is believed to be systemic inflammation, where inflammatory cells and proteins circulate throughout the body and trigger an immune response in the joints.

Skin Rashes or Sores

The skin is another common site for extra-intestinal manifestations. Two classic skin conditions are associated with colitis. The first is erythema nodosum, which presents as painful, red or purplish, tender nodules, typically on the shins and ankles. These bumps are caused by inflammation of the fat cells under the skin.

The second is pyoderma gangrenosum, a more severe but rarer condition that starts as a small pustule or blister and rapidly progresses into a large, deep, and extremely painful ulcer with a purplish border.

Both conditions are thought to be caused by an overreactive immune system and circulating inflammatory mediators that trigger inflammation in the skin. Their presence often signals active and uncontrolled gut disease.

Different Types of Colitis

The term “colitis” simply means inflammation of the colon, but it is an umbrella term for several distinct medical conditions, each with different causes, characteristics, and treatment approaches.

The most common forms are Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease, which are both types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Ulcerative Colitis causes continuous inflammation and ulcers limited to the innermost lining of the colon and rectum. In contrast, Crohn’s colitis can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, and the inflammation can penetrate deeper into the bowel wall, often occurring in patches.

Another type is Ischemic Colitis, which results from a temporary reduction in blood flow to the colon, leading to tissue damage; this is more common in older adults.

Infectious Colitis is an acute condition caused by a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection, such as from Clostridioides difficile or Salmonella. Correctly identifying the specific type is fundamental to developing an effective treatment plan.

Next, Microscopic Colitis includes lymphocytic colitis and collagenous colitis, where inflammation is only visible when colon tissue is examined under a microscope. Symptoms can be chronic watery diarrhea, but a colonoscopy may appear normal to the naked eye.

Diversion Colitis can develop in segments of the colon that are surgically diverted from the fecal stream, such as after an ostomy procedure, due to a lack of nutrients from fecal matter.

Most commonly seen in infants, Allergic Colitis is an inflammatory reaction to proteins in food, typically cow’s milk, causing symptoms like bloody stools.

What are the Causes of Colitis?

The known causes and risk factors for gut inflammation are multifaceted, ranging from acute infections and autoimmune dysfunction to genetic predisposition and environmental triggers.

While the exact cause is sometimes unknown, most cases can be attributed to one of several well-understood pathological processes that disrupt the delicate balance of the gastrointestinal system.

Infections (Infectious Colitis)

This is one of the most common causes of acute colitis. It occurs when the colon is invaded by a pathogenic microorganism. Common bacterial culprits include Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, and Escherichia coli (E. coli).

A particularly notable cause, especially after antibiotic use, is Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), which disrupts the normal gut flora and releases toxins that cause severe inflammation. Viruses, such as norovirus and cytomegalovirus (CMV), can also lead to colitis, as can certain parasites.

Autoimmune Responses (Inflammatory Bowel Disease – IBD)

In autoimmune conditions, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. The two main forms of IBD are Ulcerative Colitis, where the inflammation is limited to the colon and rectum, and Crohn’s Disease, which can affect any part of the digestive tract.

The immune system is thought to overreact to harmless bacteria in the gut, triggering a chronic and destructive inflammatory response.

Ischemia (Ischemic Colitis)

This type of colitis results from a sudden reduction in blood flow to the colon. The lack of oxygen and nutrients damages the intestinal tissues, leading to inflammation, pain, and bleeding. It is most common in older adults with risk factors for vascular disease, such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), low blood pressure, or blood clots.

Genetic Predisposition

A family history of IBD is a significant risk factor. Researchers have identified over 200 genes associated with an increased risk of developing Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

These genes often play a role in regulating the immune system’s response within the gut, and certain mutations can make an individual more susceptible to developing chronic inflammation.

Microscopic Colitis

This category includes two conditions, collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis, where inflammation and changes in the colon lining are only visible when the tissue is examined under a microscope.

The exact cause is unclear but is thought to involve an abnormal immune response, potentially triggered by medications (like NSAIDs), infections, or other autoimmune conditions.

Gut Inflammation Diagnosis

Confirming a diagnosis of colitis and determining its severity requires a combination of diagnostic tools that assess inflammation from different angles. The process usually begins with non-invasive tests.

Stool tests are performed to detect blood, identify infectious agents like bacteria or parasites, and measure inflammatory markers, with fecal calprotectin being a key indicator of intestinal inflammation.

Blood tests are also essential; they can reveal signs of anemia (due to chronic bleeding), elevated white blood cell counts (indicating infection or inflammation), and high levels of inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).

While these tests confirm inflammation, the definitive diagnostic procedure is often a colonoscopy with biopsy. During a colonoscopy, a gastroenterologist uses a flexible tube with a camera to directly examine the entire lining of the colon for ulcers, redness, and swelling.

Crucially, small tissue samples, or biopsies, are taken and analyzed by a pathologist to confirm the diagnosis and distinguish between different types of colitis. Imaging scans, such as a CT or MRI enterography, may be used to view parts of the small intestine that a colonoscopy cannot reach or to check for complications outside the colon.

Flexible sigmoidoscopy is similar to a colonoscopy but only examines the lower part of the colon (the sigmoid colon). It may be used for initial screening or to monitor the activity of known disease in that specific area.

In some cases, particularly when Crohn’s disease is suspected, a patient may swallow a small, pill-sized camera that takes pictures as it travels through the digestive tract, providing detailed images of the small intestine.

Although less common now due to the advancement of endoscopy, Barium Enema test involves filling the colon with a contrast material (barium) to highlight abnormalities in the colonic lining.

Colitis vs. from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Colitis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) are fundamentally different conditions, even though their symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, and changes in bowel habits can overlap significantly.

The primary distinction lies in their underlying pathology. Colitis is an organic disease, meaning there is observable physical damage to the body. It is characterized by actual inflammation of the colon lining, which can lead to visible ulcers, bleeding, and tissue damage that can be seen during a colonoscopy and confirmed through a biopsy. This inflammation is the direct cause of the symptoms.

In stark contrast, IBS is a functional disorder. This means that while a person experiences very real and often debilitating symptoms, there is no visible inflammation, ulcers, or structural damage to the intestinal tract.

Diagnostic tests like a colonoscopy will appear completely normal in a person with IBS. The issue in IBS is related to how the gut functions, often involving heightened nerve sensitivity (visceral hypersensitivity) and abnormal gut motility, rather than a structural or inflammatory problem.

Furthermore, in colitis, blood and stool tests often show elevated inflammatory markers like CRP and calprotectin. These markers are typically normal in individuals with IBS.

Chronic inflammation from colitis can lead to serious complications, including severe bleeding, toxic megacolon (a life-threatening dilation of the colon), and an increased risk of colorectal cancer. IBS does not cause these physical complications or increase cancer risk.

Treatment for colitis focuses on reducing inflammation using anti-inflammatory medications, immunosuppressants, or biologics. IBS management centers on symptom control through diet modification (like the low-FODMAP diet), stress management, and medications that target gut motility and nerve sensitivity.

When to Seek Medical Help?

Gut inflammation symptoms warrant a doctor’s visit when they are severe, persist for more than a few days, or are accompanied by specific “red flag” signs that may indicate a more serious underlying condition.

While minor digestive upset can be common, certain symptoms should never be ignored and require prompt medical evaluation to ensure an accurate diagnosis and prevent potential complications like severe dehydration, anemia, or perforation of the colon.

If your diarrhea, abdominal pain, or cramping is intense enough to disrupt your daily activities, or if these symptoms last for more than 48-72 hours without improvement, it is time to see a doctor. Chronic, ongoing symptoms are not normal and point toward an underlying issue beyond a simple infection.

Besides, blood in the stool is a critical warning sign. Whether you see bright red blood in the toilet bowl, on the toilet paper, or mixed in with your stool, it always warrants a medical evaluation. While it can sometimes be caused by less severe issues like hemorrhoids, it is a primary symptom of colitis and other serious conditions that need to be ruled out.

Next, losing 5% or more of your body weight over a period of 6-12 months without trying is a major red flag. It suggests that your body is either not absorbing nutrients properly (malabsorption) or is in a high metabolic state due to chronic inflammation.

A fever is the body’s natural response to inflammation or infection. A temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, especially when accompanied by other gastrointestinal symptoms, indicates a significant inflammatory process that requires medical assessment.

Severe diarrhea can lead to a significant loss of fluids and electrolytes, resulting in dehydration. Symptoms include extreme thirst, dry mouth, infrequent urination, dark-colored urine, dizziness, and fatigue. Dehydration can become a medical emergency if not addressed quickly.

Waking up from sleep due to severe pain or an urgent need to have a bowel movement is often a sign of more significant inflammatory disease and should prompt a visit to your healthcare provider.

How to Manage Colitis Symptoms

Dietary changes can play a crucial supportive role in managing colitis symptoms, but it is important to understand that diet is not a cure; it is a tool for symptom control and reducing irritation during flare-ups. The goal of dietary modification is to provide adequate nutrition while avoiding foods that may trigger or worsen inflammation and symptoms like diarrhea, pain, and bloating.

There is no single colitis diet, as trigger foods are highly individual. However, many people find relief by avoiding common irritants, especially during a flare. These can include high-fiber foods (like raw vegetables, nuts, and seeds), fatty or fried foods, spicy dishes, alcohol, and caffeine. For some, dairy products can also be problematic due to lactose intolerance.

An anti-inflammatory eating pattern, such as the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, may be beneficial during periods of remission. Other specialized diets, like the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) or the low-FODMAP diet, have been explored for symptom management, though their efficacy varies and they can be restrictive.

It is absolutely essential to work with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before making significant dietary changes to ensure proper nutrition is maintained and to develop a personalized plan.

Additionally, tracking food intake and corresponding symptoms is one of the most effective ways to identify personal trigger foods that may be worsening inflammation or digestive distress.

During a flare, the inflamed colon cannot absorb water and nutrients efficiently. It is important to stay hydrated and focus on easily digestible foods, such as cooked vegetables, lean proteins, and simple carbohydrates.

Specially, chronic diarrhea and inflammation can lead to nutrient deficiencies. A doctor may recommend supplements for iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and calcium, but these should only be taken under medical supervision.

FAQs

1. What foods should I avoid with colitis?

When managing colitis, it’s important to avoid foods that could irritate the digestive system and worsen inflammation. Here are foods commonly recommended to avoid:

Spicy foods – Spices such as chili and hot peppers can irritate the lining of the intestines, leading to discomfort, pain, and flare-ups.
High-fiber foods – Foods like raw vegetables, whole grains, and nuts can be difficult to digest and may cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea during a flare-up. You may need to limit or avoid these foods during active inflammation.
Dairy products – Many individuals with colitis, especially during flare-ups, may experience lactose intolerance. Dairy can worsen symptoms like diarrhea and cramping.
Caffeine – Coffee, tea, and energy drinks with caffeine can stimulate the gut and lead to increased bowel movements, abdominal discomfort, or diarrhea.
Alcohol – Alcohol can irritate the gastrointestinal lining, increase inflammation, and contribute to dehydration, which can worsen symptoms of colitis.

While managing colitis, focusing on easily digestible foods that are low in fiber, like cooked vegetables, white rice, and lean meats, can provide relief. It’s important to work with your healthcare provider or a nutritionist to tailor your diet based on your specific symptoms.

2. How do you treat a colitis flare-up?

A colitis flare-up is typically treated based on the severity of symptoms. Doctors often prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs like mesalamine or steroids (e.g., prednisone) to control inflammation during flare-ups. For severe cases, immunosuppressants or biologics may be necessary.

Also, a low-residue diet (low in fiber) may be recommended to reduce irritation and ease the digestive process during flare-ups. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so maintaining electrolyte balance and staying hydrated is critical. Oral rehydration solutions or clear fluids can help.

Over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen or anti-spasmodic medications, can alleviate abdominal discomfort and cramping. In severe cases, where the inflammation does not respond to medication, hospitalization or surgical options, like a colectomy (removal of the colon), might be required to manage the condition effectively.

3. Is colitis very serious?

Colitis can range from mild to severe, but it has the potential to be a serious condition if left untreated. In chronic forms like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, ongoing inflammation can lead to significant complications such as colon damage, intestinal bleeding, perforation (a hole in the colon), and toxic megacolon (a dangerously enlarged colon).

Colitis also increases the risk of developing colon cancer over time. Early diagnosis, medication, and lifestyle adjustments can help prevent these serious outcomes. If you experience ongoing symptoms or complications, it’s vital to seek medical help.

4. Can you live with colitis without medication?

It’s possible to manage mild colitis without medication for some people, especially if they adopt a healthy lifestyle and follow dietary restrictions. However, most individuals with moderate to severe colitis need medication to control inflammation and avoid flare-ups.

In the case of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, taking medication is often crucial to prevent long-term complications and manage symptoms effectively. Without proper treatment, colitis may worsen, leading to a decrease in quality of life and potential serious health risks.

5. What is end-stage ulcerative colitis?

End-stage ulcerative colitis is a severe, advanced form of the disease where the inflammation has caused significant damage to the colon. It is often characterized by complications such as toxic megacolon, where the colon becomes dangerously enlarged, or perforation, which can lead to life-threatening infections.

In end-stage ulcerative colitis, individuals may require surgical intervention, such as a colectomy (removal of the colon). The disease can also significantly impair quality of life, causing chronic pain, fatigue, and emotional distress.

6. What does colitis pain feel like?

Colitis pain can vary, but it is typically described as cramping, sharp, or bloating in the lower abdomen. During a flare-up, the pain can be constant or intermittent, often exacerbated after eating.

In some cases, the pain may be relieved by passing stool or gas, but in more severe cases, the discomfort can be persistent and debilitating. Some people experience a sensation of fullness or tenderness in the abdomen, especially when the inflammation is affecting the large intestine.

7. What is the number one cause of colitis?

The exact cause of colitis is not fully understood, but the most common form of colitis is thought to be an autoimmune reaction. In autoimmune colitis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the colon, leading to inflammation.

Genetic factors, environmental triggers, and an imbalance in the gut microbiota are believed to contribute to the development of the disease. Other causes include infections (e.g., bacterial or viral), ischemic colitis (due to reduced blood flow to the colon), and medication side effects.

8. What are the home remedies for colitis?

While medication is typically necessary for treating colitis, some home remedies may help alleviate mild symptoms or provide comfort during flare-ups:

Probiotics: These can help balance the gut microbiome and reduce inflammation.
Bone broth: Rich in nutrients, it may soothe the gut lining and promote healing.
Aloe vera: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, it can be consumed in moderation to calm irritation.
Herbal teas: Peppermint or chamomile tea can help with digestive discomfort and relax the bowel.
Low-residue diet: This involves avoiding high-fiber foods that can irritate the colon during a flare-up.

Always consult with your healthcare provider before trying home remedies to ensure they won’t interfere with your prescribed treatments.

Conclusion

Colitis and gut inflammation are complex conditions that can significantly affect a person’s quality of life. While symptoms like abdominal pain, cramping, and diarrhea can be overwhelming, understanding the condition and seeking early treatment is key to managing flare-ups and avoiding long-term complications.

With the right approach, including a balanced diet, medication, and lifestyle adjustments, individuals with colitis can lead fulfilling lives.

If you experience persistent symptoms, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional to get the appropriate care and treatment tailored to your needs. Managing colitis is possible, and with the proper support, you can regain control of your health.

References

Disclaimer This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only. We are not medical professionals, and this content does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The goal is to provide accurate, evidence-based information to raise awareness of causes of pancreatitis. If you are experiencing persistent, severe, or concerning symptoms, you should seek guidance from a qualified healthcare provider. Read the full Disclaimer here →