Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a term used to describe inflammation in your digestive tract. There are two main types of IBD:

– Crohn’s disease: It’s a type of IBD that causes inflammation in the digestive tract, particularly in the colon. It can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus. Unlike the other type of IBD, called ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease can involve the entire bowel wall.

– Ulcerative colitis (UC): This type of IBD mainly causes inflammation and ulcers in the colon. It is limited to the colon and affects the inner lining of the colon.

In summary, IBD refers to inflammation in the digestive tract, and it includes two conditions: Crohn’s disease, which can affect any part of the digestive tract, and ulcerative colitis, which specifically affects the colon.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is often caused by a problem with the immune system. Normally, the immune system helps us fight off viruses and bacteria. But sometimes, the immune system mistakenly attacks the cells in our digestive system. This causes inflammation in parts of the small intestine and colon.

IBD can also be passed down from parents to their children, meaning it has a genetic component.

There are certain factors that can increase the risk of developing IBD:

– Age: Most people diagnosed with IBD are younger than 35 years old.
– Race or ethnicity: IBD is more common in Caucasians and people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent.-
– Family history: If someone in your family has IBD, you might have a higher chance of developing it too.
– Geography: Living in an industrialised country or colder regions may increase the risk of IBD.
– Smoking: Smoking is known to be a risk factor for developing IBD.
– Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs): Certain pain-relieving medications like ibuprofen can contribute to the development of IBD.

These factors can increase the likelihood of developing IBD, but the exact cause of the immune system malfunction is still not fully understood.

The symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can vary depending on the specific disease and how severe it is. Here are some common symptoms:

– Seeing blood in your stool.
– Having diarrhoea.
– Feeling feverish.
– Experiencing abdominal pain.
– Having stomach cramps.
– Developing sores in your mouth.
– Feeling pain or noticing drainage near or around your anus.
– Dealing with constipation.
– Sudden weight loss.
– Missing your normal menstrual cycle (for women).
– Feeling tired all the time.
– Losing weight unintentionally.
– Having rectal pain.
– Feeling a strong urge to go to the bathroom.

If you notice any persistent changes in your bowel habits or if you have a combination of the symptoms mentioned above that worry you, it’s important to reach out to a specialist gastroenterologist near you for further evaluation and guidance.

To diagnose IBD, your doctor will use different techniques based on your symptoms.

One common method is a colonoscopy or endoscopy. This involves using a flexible tube with a camera to examine the inside of your colon or digestive tract. It helps the doctor see any signs of inflammation or abnormalities.

In some cases, other imaging procedures like X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans may be done to get a clearer picture of your digestive system and check for any signs of IBD. These tests can provide additional information to support the diagnosis.

The specific diagnostic approach will depend on your individual symptoms and what your doctor thinks is most appropriate for your situation.

The main goal of treating IBD is to reduce the inflammation in your digestive tract, which can help eliminate or lessen the symptoms you experience. By effectively treating IBD, it’s possible to achieve long-term remission, meaning a period without symptoms.

There are various treatment options available for IBD, including:

– Antibiotics: These medications can help fight off bacterial infections in your digestive tract.
– Anti – diarrhoea medications: These drugs can help control diarrhoea, one of the common symptoms of IBD.
– Iron supplements: Iron is important for the body, and if you have low iron levels due to IBD, supplements can help restore them.
– Calcium and vitamin D supplements: These supplements are helpful if you have deficiencies in calcium and vitamin D, which are important for bone health.
– Immune system suppressors: These medications work by reducing the activity of your immune system, which can help decrease inflammation.
– Anti-inflammatory drugs: These drugs specifically target and reduce inflammation in your digestive tract.
– Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged or severely affected areas of the digestive tract.
– Enteral nutrition: This involves consuming liquid supplements to provide essential nutrients while giving your digestive system a rest.

The specific treatment approach will depend on your individual condition, symptoms, and the recommendations of your healthcare provider. They will work with you to determine the most suitable treatment plan for managing your IBD.

In simple terms, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) itself is not a disease that causes death. However, if it is not properly managed and treated, it can lead to serious complications that can eventually become life-threatening. Leaving IBD untreated can also increase the risk of developing colon cancer.
The good news is that our specialists are here to help. They can work with you or your loved ones to manage the symptoms of IBD and improve your quality of life. It’s important to seek medical attention and get the right care to ensure the best possible outcome when living with IBD.