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IBD most commonly affects the colon and the large intestine. It is a chronic disease of the digestive tract in which tract tissues become inflamed. The inflamed tissues develop sores (ulcers) and bleeding. Accompanying symptoms include cramps and bloating. Medical researchers generally agree that the instigator of the disease is a malfunctioning immune system.
Although there are several types of IBD, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are the two most common. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease share the same symptoms, but they happen in different areas of the digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis symptoms–inflammation, sores, and bleeding–occur in the colon and rectum. Crohn’s disease symptoms can occur throughout the gastrointestinal tract, anywhere from the beginning (mouth) to the end (rectum).
IBD can cause permanent damage to the digestive tract, so it is important to treat it carefully. Medications and drugs help with managing disease symptoms and the malfunctioning immune system. Stress reduction can mitigate symptoms, as well.
Inflammatory bowel disease is usually identified through a colonoscopy or endoscopy. In these tests, tissue extracted by the colonoscope or endoscope can be examined to confirm the diagnosis. Other tests run on blood and stool samples provide additional information.
The names are similar and the symptoms overlap, but they are different conditions. Inflammatory bowel disease causes measurable, physical inflammation and damage to the bowel wall that can be seen on colonoscopy and biopsy, and that damage can be permanent. Irritable bowel syndrome causes real and often severe symptoms without that visible damage. The treatments are not the same, which is why getting the diagnosis right matters.
IBD is a long-term condition managed over years rather than cured in a course of treatment. Most patients move between flares and periods of remission. Staying on maintenance medication during remission is the single most effective thing most people can do to reduce flares, even when they feel well.
Long-standing ulcerative colitis and colonic Crohn’s disease raise the risk of colorectal cancer, so surveillance colonoscopy becomes part of routine care after about eight years of disease. Regular review also lets your physician adjust treatment before a flare becomes severe.
Call if you have increasing abdominal pain, blood in the stool, a significant change in bowel habits, fever, or unintended weight loss — rather than waiting for your next scheduled appointment.
To discuss this with a gastroenterologist, call (407) 445-9224 or book at one of our four Orlando-area offices.
