Inflammatory Bowel Disease, or IBD, is a term that is used to describe two long-standing or chronic inflammatory conditions that impact the tissues of the digestive tract. These conditions are Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease. These two kinds of IBD share many common symptoms. There is a wide range of experiences associated with the expression of these conditions, with some patients suffering from only very mild symptoms while others struggle with life-threatening health complications.
The most common symptoms of IBD are:
The precise cause of IBD is not known at this time. It is possible that immune system malfunction causes these conditions in response to a virus or bacteria that has entered the body. The immune system might continue to attack the healthy cells of the digestive tract once the original threat has been removed. There are also gene mutations that are associated with these conditions, which suggests that heredity plays a role. However, there are many patients who have IBD who do not have a family history of the condition.
The risk factors for IBD are:
Diagnosis of these conditions is usually made through the use of lab tests that look for infection markers or anaemia. Stool studies might also be taken to look for occult blood or for organisms like parasites in the stool.
Most patients will need an upper endoscopy as well as a colonoscopy to look at the tissues of the digestive tract. Flexible sigmoidoscopy can also be done for patients who have severe inflammation of the colon. Capsule endoscopy is becoming more common to diagnose this condition, and balloon-assisted enteroscopy can also be used to check the health of the small bowel following a capsule endoscopy.
Some patients will need CT or MRI scans and X-rays to look for complications related to these conditions, like megacolon or a perforated colon.
Prevention of these conditions is not usually possible. However, avoiding cigarettes and second-hand smoke and eating a healthy diet can help to prevent these health conditions. Be sure to maintain a healthy weight as well and to exercise on a regular basis.
Treatment of IBD is targeted at reducing inflammation and managing symptoms of the condition. Some patients are able to remain in long-term remission, but most patients experience flares of the disease throughout their lifetime.
Anti-inflammatory drugs like aminosalicylates can help some patients to suppress symptoms and flares of IBD, and immune system-suppressing drugs can also be of assistance to patients. Biologics like infliximab and Humira can also help prevent flares in many patients.
Antibiotics might be needed to help treat Crohn’s Disease symptoms. Patients are also able to take over-the-counter pain medications and over-the-counter digestive upset medications. Vitamins and supplements might be necessary as well to help patients maintain their health due to disruptions in the digestive process. When weight loss is severe, feeding tube nutrient delivery can be required to allow the GI tract to rest.
Surgery for ulcerative colitis can be necessary in severe cases, and removal of the colon and rectum is sometimes necessary. Some patients will require the creation of a permanent opening in the abdomen, an ileal stoma, to allow for stool collection in a bag. Crohn’s Disease patients often need surgeries to remove damaged and diseased sections of the GI tract and to close fistulas or drain abscesses.