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Inflammatory Bowel Disease (or IBD) is a very common, long-term condition that affects the digestive system. It is slightly more common in women than men. Inflammatory Bowel Disease usually starts in early adulthood, but can occur at any age. Up to 3 million Americans have some form of IBD.
IBD includes Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Both types affect the digestive system. In both cases, there is chronic inflammation of the intestines.
Some symptoms may overlap between both types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, but there are a few key differences.
In Crohn’s Disease, inflammation can appear anywhere in the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. Crohn’s disease usually affects more of the GI tract and symptoms can appear throughout the body.
People with Crohn’s Disease often have healthy areas in between inflamed spots.
In Ulcerative Colitis, inflammation affects only the large intestine.
With Ulcerative Colitis, there are no healthy areas in between inflamed spots.
With both types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, you may have periods of normalcy and other times when symptoms disrupt your daily life.
IBD affects the gut or the large intestine and colon. When you eat food and it passes through your intestines, the wall of the bowel slowly helps to break down the food.
The gut wall is sensitive. If you have IBD, your immune system mistakes foods as foreign substances. This means it releases antibodies to fight off this threat, and it causes IBD symptoms such as:
Some triggers of IBD may include:
These may be symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, but your gastroenterologist will also screen for cancer or Celiac Disease.
You may also have symptoms similar to IBD, but no inflammation. In this case, you may have Irritable Bowel Syndrome. With IBS, there is no sign of disease or abnormality during an exam of the colon. Ruling out other conditions can get you on the road to recovery. Based on your symptoms, stool tests, or blood tests you can find the cause for your discomfort.
Your gastroenterologist may also examine the lower part of your large intestines. This is a test called sigmoidoscopy. A sigmoidoscopy may be used to examine or diagnose certain conditions or structures in your lower colon.
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Treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease can help you live a normal life. Although this is a chronic condition, there are many who live in remission a majority of the time.
Remission is considered as a period of time when you do not have any IBD flares. Medications or surgery can help you on your road to recovery.
Other daily treatment options for IBD include:
Often there is not one single fix for IBD. Your provider can work with you to see what works best for you.
Your gastroenterologist will work with you to find a medication that helps control your IBD symptoms. Often, medications can help control inflammation so you can live a normal life.
Some medications to treat IBD include antibiotics to treat infections, anti-inflammatory medicine, biologics, corticosteroids to manage flares, immunomodulators to calm an overactive immune system, antidiarrheal medication, or probiotics including vitamins and supplements.
If medication is not working for you, you may need to seek surgical care.
With Crohn’s disease, as many as seventy percent eventually need surgery. Surgery may include a bowel resection to remove the part of the bowel that is diseased and connect two healthy ends of the bowel together.
With Ulcerative colitis, about 1 in 3 people need surgery after living more than 30 years with the disease. Surgery may include removing the colon and/or rectum and connecting your small intestine and the anus. You then have a pouch that collects stool and exits through the anus. This procedure usually cures you of the disease.
If you have IBD you can still enjoy an active, normal life. With the right medical care, you can manage symptoms and no longer have digestive issues getting in the way.
It is important to find a provider you trust to join you on your journey with IBD.
Dr. Jonathan Erlich is a highly trained gastroenterologist with extensive experience diagnosing and treating patients with Hepatitis C. Call (773) 631-2728 to request an appointment or fill in the form below.
7447 W Talcott,
Suite 209
Chicago, IL 60631
(773) 631-2728
(872) 328-4880
Or click on the link below to fill out the form.
Monday to Friday between 8.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. (CET)
