What Is Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is sometimes confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). They're not the same disorder.

Causes of inflammatory bowel disease Medical science has yet to determine the exact causes of inflammatory bowel disease. There seems to be some indication it's an immune system disorder, but it sometimes appears to be caused by germs. There could also be a hereditary factor because IBD often shows up in members of the same family.

Inflammatory bowel disease is umbrella term for several problems that affect the intestines, causing them to become inflamed. The two most common are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. We have separate articles on each of these.

Ulcerative colitis causes ulcers in the colon, usually near the point where it meets the rectum. Crohn's can cause ulcerous sore along the length of the small intestines and the colon.

Approximately 600,000 Americans suffer from inflammatory bowl disease annually. It can be a frustrating condition because it lasts a long time and it often returns after you think it's gone.

Inflammatory bowel disease is not contagious.

Symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease Signs of inflammatory bowel disease depend on the location of the inflammation. They can be mild, severe, or anything in between. Symptoms are hard to miss, and they definitely get your attention.

Abdomen pain and stomach cramps are often accompanied by an urgent feeling you have to move your bowels. Diarrhea follows, and there could be blood in the stool. The loss of blood could produce anemia.

Fever and loss of appetite are common symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease. Weight loss follows since you don't feel like eating.

There can be serious complications of inflammatory bowel disease in the colon and small intestines, including profuse bleeding by ulcers or due to bowel perforation.

A rare complication of ulcerative colitis called toxic megacolon can be life-threatening. It requires quick medical attention and surgery.

Historically, people with ulcerative colitis eventually stand a greater chance of getting colon cancer than those who have never had it. The risk of intestinal cancer also rises in those who have had Crohn's disease.

IBD may also be a contributing factor to a range of disorders that don't involve the small intestines or colon, although this is relatively rare. These include

• arthritis
• bone loss
• swollen eyes
• kidney problems
• liver problems
• skin conditions

If your doctor suspects inflammatory bowel disorder, he or she may test your stool for evidence of germs and blood. He or she may also use a colonoscope or sigmoidoscope to look directly inside your intestines. This device will allow the doctor to examine the inside of your colon and intestines directly.

If you are diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, you'll probably be treated by several doctors: your primary doctor, a gastroenterologist, and possibly a surgeon.

Inflammatory bowel disease and diet The first step in treatment will be formulating a diet that's friendly to your intestines. This might mean cutting back on fiber and dairy products.

Anything you can do to relax and keep stress to a minimum will also help.

Inflammatory bowel disease meds Anti-inflammatory drugs may help reduce or eliminate your inflammation. Such drugs include sulfasalazine, corticosteroids like prednisone, and immune system suppressors.

If your doctor suspects germs may be causing your problem, you'll probably get a prescription for an antibiotic.

Your doctor will also probably recommend something to relieve your diarrhea and pain.

Dehydration is always a danger with diarrhea, so talk to your doctor about staying hydrated. In particularly bad cases, you may need to be hospitalized and given intravenous fluids or medications.

Surgery is the treatment option of last resort with ulcerative colitis. It may be necessary to remove all or part of your colon.

Surgery usually doesn't make a difference with Crohn's disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease can be tough on you emotionally because it lasts a long time and symptoms may return over and over. If you begin to feel especially depressed, an anti-depressant, rescribed by your doctor, may be appropriate.

Inflammatory bowel disease and diet There is no special diet for inflammatory bowel disease. Unfortiunately, each case is different to a degree, so a certain amount of trial and error is necessary to find out what works best for you. Work with your doctor on this.

There are some general diet guidelines that may help get you started.

You may want to avoid high fiber foods like popcorn, seeds and nuts. They may cause cramps. Foods that are high in fat or greasy fried foods may lead to diarrhea. Fibrous fruits and vegetables are usually good for you, but if you have IBD they may lead to gas and bloating. Alcoholic drinks seem to be okay for some people, but may cause problems for others.

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