The word “inflammatory bowel disease” describes two inflammatory conditions that affect up to 1.6 million people, most of whom receive a diagnosis before the age of 35: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. If you are experiencing IBD symptoms, you should consult with a gastroenterologist near your area. You can consult with one of Surat’s top ten gastroenterologists. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) comprises Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s disease can affect any region of the gastrointestinal tract, including the mouth and anus.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) comprises Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s disease can affect any region of the gastrointestinal system, including the mouth and anus.
Ulcerative colitis may affect any section of the large intestine. Indeterminate colitis (inflammatory bowel disease) is a third form of IBD that shares characteristics with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Causes of inflammatory bowel disease
Being an autoimmune disease, IBD happens when the body’s defences destroy healthy tissues. The reason behind these types of attacks and why some people get IBD while others do not. However, researchers are working to learn more about the processes behind the illness as well as the effects of genetic, environmental, viral, immune-mediated, and other elements, including the balance of the bacteria in the gut.
Experts estimate that 1.6 million people in the United States have IBD. The illness can affect anyone, including young children and people over the age of 65. However, it most typically affects adults aged 15 to 35.
Symptoms of IBD in adults
IBD symptoms can be mild or severe. They are unpredictable, and you never know when they will happen. When they happen, a healthcare physician may diagnose you with an IBD flare (active disease). When your symptoms pass following treatment, your doctor may state the disease is in remission. Similar IBD symptoms are following:
- Fatigue: chronic tiredness and low energy, even with sufficient sleep.
- Fever: Some persons may develop a low-grade fever during flare-ups.
- Reduced appetite: A sensation of fullness or a loss of interest in eating.
- Blood in stool: Bright red or dark blood can show up in bowel movements.
- Weight loss: accidental loss of weight due to poor nutrient absorption.
- Abdominal pain and cramping: This type of pain is usually felt in the lower abdomen and can range from mild to severe.
- Chronic diarrhea is defined by having regular, loose, or urgent bowel motions that may include blood or mucus.
These symptoms may differ in complexity over time, including periods of flare-ups and remission. If you think you have IBD, you should consult a gastroenterologist or healthcare expert for diagnosis and treatment.
How do I diagnose IBD?
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is usually diagnosed through a variety of tests and evaluations performed by a healthcare practitioner. Including the factors like:
- Medical history and physical exam: The doctor will ask you about your symptoms, family history, and overall health, followed by a physical checkup to look for indicators of IBD.
- Blood tests: It can detect symptoms of inflammation or anemia, which may indicate IBD.
- Stool tests: A stool sample can be tested to rule out illnesses or detect inflammatory markers in the bowels.
- Endoscopy (colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy): During the procedure, doctors use a flexible tube with a camera to look at the inside of the digestive tract for inflammation, ulcers, or bleeding. Tissue samples (biopsies) can also be collected for analysis.
- Imaging tests: CT scans, MRIs, and abdominal X-rays can offer detailed images of the intestines and help in finding areas of inflammation or IBD problems.
- Capsule endoscopy: In certain situations, a small capsule containing a camera may be swallowed to get images of the small intestine, which is difficult to see with typical scopes.
Best treatment options for IBD
Many variables influence the best treatment options for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including the type of IBD (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis), the severity of the disease, and the individual needs of the patient.
While IBD cannot be treated, different medications can help control symptoms and improve quality of life.
While there is no cure for IBD, there are many effective medicines available to help regulate symptoms and improve quality of life.
Common treatment approaches:
| Treatment Type | Medications | Surgery | Lifestyle Modifications |
| Mild to Moderate IBD | Aminosalicylates (e.g., mesalamine) |
Not usually required | Dietary adjustments, stress management |
| Moderate to Severe IBD | Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), immunomodulators (e.g., azathioprine), biologics (e.g., infliximab) |
May be considered if medications are ineffective | Dietary adjustments, stress management, smoking cessation |
| Severe IBD with Complications | Corticosteroids, immunomodulators, biologics | Resection of diseased bowel, creation of a stoma | Dietary adjustments, stress management, smoking cessation |
Taking the right care and support will allow you to live a happy and fulfilling life despite IBD’s chronic nature.
Are you interested in knowing more about this treatment, or do you have any questions about IBD? Here we have 1 from the top 10 healthcare experts. Dr. Nisharg Patel, a super specialist in liver illness treatment and gastrologist in Surat. With their proven success record, he delivers outstanding treatment with their 10+ years of practice.
They will consider your symptoms, medical history, as well as the kind of IBD you have. Regular follow-up visits enable you to continue maintaining updates on your health and modify your treatment as necessary.