What Is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?
IBD refers to two conditions of the digestive system (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) which are characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Prolonged inflammation causes GI tract damage.
Many diseases are grouped together under the general term IBD. The two most common are:
- Ulcerative colitis (UC): This is an inflammation of the colon. It can cause other non-digestive problems.
- Crohn’s disease: This can cause inflammation of the digestive tract at any part. However, it primarily affects the posterior end of the small intestine.
Symptoms of IBD depend on the location and severity of the inflammation, but may include
- Diarrhoea that occurs when the affected part of the intestine cannot reabsorb water
- Bleeding ulcers
- Blood in the stool (Hematochezia).
- Stomach pain, bloating and cramps due to bowel obstruction
- Weight loss and anemia. May cause physical growth and developmental delays in children
- Ulcers and fissures may also appear on the genitals and anus.
- Crohn’s disease may also cause mouth ulcers.
IBD may also be associated with non-digestive problems eye inflammation, Skin disease, Arthritis
What Causes IBD?
Researchers are trying to figure out why some people develop IBD. There are three major factors playing a role in the onset of the disease:
- Genetics: One in four patients with IBD has a family history of the disease. So, genetics have a key role in the onset of this condition
- Autoimmune response: The immune system normally fights infections. In people with IBD, the immune system mistakes food for foreign material and start fighting against its own cells. This releases antibodies (proteins) to fight off this threat, causing symptoms of IBD.
- Environmental trigger: People with a family history of IBD may develop IBD if they are exposed to triggers like smoking, stress, drug use, and depression.
Possible complications of IBD include:
- Malnutrition with weight loss
- Colon cancer
- A fistula or tunnel that passes through the intestinal wall and creates a hole between different parts of the digestive tract
- Intestinal perforation
- Bowel obstruction
How Is IBD Diagnosed?
To diagnose IBD, doctors first understand the family’s medical history and bowel movements.
- Stool samples and blood tests can be used to check for infections and other illnesses.
- A barium enema (which involves an x-ray of the colon and small intestine.)
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy
- Capsule endoscopy: The test requires patients to swallow a small capsule with a camera. This is usually recommended to examine/ view the parts of the small intestine.
- Plain abdominal X-rays are used in emergencies when intestinal rupture is suspected.
- CT scan provides a more detailed image than regular X-rays. This helps in examining the small intestine. Complications of IBD can also be recognized through this test
- MRI: It is particularly useful for examining soft tissue and detecting fistulae.
If lifestyle changes do not help to alleviate symptoms, it is recommended to visit a doctor. If left untreated, acidity can lead to complications such as GERD, gastric ulcers, duodenitis, irritable bowel syndrome, peptic or esophageal strictures, esophageal cancers, or gastric cancer. Therefore, early diagnosis and prompt treatment of acidity are crucial in preventing the onset of complications.
Doctors may prescribe medications to alleviate the symptoms of Acidity.
If medications don’t help resolve acidity symptoms, the doctor could recommend surgery either by placing a ring known as a LINX device around the outside of the lower end of the esophagus or a surgical procedure called a fundoplication which can help prevent further acid reflux
Book Your Appointment at Sangam Gastro Liver Clinic
Take the first step toward better digestive health. Book your consultation with the IBD specialists at Sangam Gastro Liver Clinic in Lucknow. Our expert gastroenterologists provide accurate diagnosis, personalized IBD treatment, and comprehensive care for conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.