Inflammatory bowel disease is a collective term that describes different bowel conditions that are chronic i.e., they continue for a long-term duration. There are different types of inflammatory bowel disease, which includes Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Crohn’s disease is the condition where the person suffers from inflammation within the stomach lining that often spreads within the deep tissues of the affected site. However, in ulcerative colitis, the patient suffers from ulcers or long-lasting inflammation within the inner lining of the GIT tract i.e., mainly involving the rectum or large intestine/ colon. Inflammatory bowel disease is a debilitating disorder that can turn into life-threatening complications.
The symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease vary from one person to another. It depends on the severity of the condition and its site — the symptoms of this bowel disorder range from mild, moderate, or severe. The signs and symptoms common to both Ulcerative colitis and Chron’s disease include fever, fatigue, diarrhea, blood in stools, abdominal cramps or pain, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
The exact cause of inflammatory bowel disease is unknown. Doctors suspected in the previous studies and research that stress or dietary factors might aggravate the condition, but now it seems false. The possible leading cause of inflammatory bowel disease is the malfunctioning of the immune system. When the body detects any bacterial or viral infection, it starts attacking it, during this process, it also attacks the healthy body cells of the digestive tract. Other than that, it seems that hereditary might be the reason behind the inflammatory bowel disease.
The risk factors related to IBD include age, most people suffer from the disease below 30 years, while others suffer between 50-60 years of age. It is also more commonly seen in whites, but it can be seen in all races and ethnicity. The family history results in a higher chance of you suffering from IBD. Cigarette smoking is another apparent risk factor which can result in Chron’s disease. However, smoking might offer some protection against Ulcerative colitis. NSAIDs can also lead in IBD or increase the severity of the condition. The location of your living also matters in terms of developing IBD. If you live in an industrialized nation, you are at a higher risk to suffer from IBD due to the environmental and dietary factors. Other than that, people who live in northern climates have a higher chance to suffer from IBD.
Both ulcerative colitis and Chron’s disease can result in some common complications, which include colon cancer, arthritis i.e., inflammation of the joints, skin lesions, uveitis, or eye inflammation. Certain medications that are used for treating IBD can also result in cancer like corticosteroids. These conditions can also result in blood clots within the circulation. The complications solely related to Chron’s disease include bowel obstruction, ulcers, malnutrition, or fistulas. The complications related exclusively to ulcerative colitis include excessive dehydration, perforated colon, or toxic megacolon.
The diagnosis of IBD is confirmed through specific tests, which includes a blood test, fecal occult blood test, colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, upper endoscopy, capsule endoscopy, balloon-assisted enteroscopy. The imaging procedures like X-ray, CT scan, and MRI are also used for diagnosing IBD.
The treatment plan for IBD includes medications, nutritional support, surgical procedures, and others. The preventive measures include dietary changes, quit smoking, perform exercises, and perform breathing or relaxing techniques along with the support therapy.
Visit the doctor immediately if you find consistent changes in the bowel movements. Other than that, if you experience symptoms related to inflammatory bowel disease, then directly visit the doctor. Although the condition in not fatal, it can turn into severe complications.
Until Next Time,
Team Doctor ASKY!