Inflammatory Bowel Disease

What is inflammatory bowel disease?

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a condition that causes chronic inflammation within your gastrointestinal tract. There are two types of IBD: ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.  Both diseases affect the lining of the digestive tract.

Which symptoms can inflammatory bowel disease cause?

The common symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease range from mild to severe, and include:

• Stomach cramps
• Chronic diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Blood in your stool
• Unintentional weight loss
• Loss of appetite 

Complications sometimes linked to untreated IBD include colon cancer, perforated bowel, anal fistula, anal stenosis, anemia, kidney or liver problems, malabsorption, weak bones, and more. You might also have a higher risk of blood clots, dehydration from diarrhea, and joint, skin, or eye inflammation. 

What increases the risk of inflammatory bowel disease?

While the exact cause of IBD isn’t clear, the following factors could increase your risk:

• Family history of IBD
• Immune system changes
• Limited exposure to germs as a child
• Gastrointestinal infections early in life
• Being mostly bottle-fed as a baby
• Taking antibiotics during the first 12 months of life
• Smoking
• Stress

While food doesn’t cause IBD, some foods may exacerbate your symptoms. Examples include:

• Greasy foods
• High-fiber foods
• Carbonated drinks
• Alcohol
• Caffeinated drinks
• Milk products

Genetics also play a role. About 2-5% of people with this condition have a close relative with IBD. 

How is inflammatory bowel disease diagnosed?

Diagnosing IBD at Tri-City Colo-Rectal Surgery involves a physical exam, discussion of your medical history, and often blood testing, stool tests, imaging, or endoscopic procedures. For example, you may need an upper endoscopy or a colonoscopy. 

How is inflammatory bowel disease treated?

Depending on the severity of IBD and your lifestyle, the Tri-City Colo-Rectal Surgery team may suggest one or more of the following:

• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Small molecule medications
• Immunomodulators 
• Antibiotics
• Biologics medicines
• Corticosteroids 
• Other medications
• Vitamins and other dietary supplements
• Dietary changes or support
• Other lifestyle changes
• Surgery

You might take medications orally, undergo an intravenous (IV) infusion, receive injections, or need a surgical procedure to remove damaged parts of your digestive tract. See your specialist routinely for follow-up care and lifestyle recommendations.

Schedule an inflammatory bowel disease evaluation at Tri-City Colo-Rectal Surgery by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.