Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term for two conditions (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) that are characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Prolonged inflammation results in damage to the GI tract. Show
What are the main types of IBD?Croh’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
What are the common symptoms of IBD?
What causes IBD?The exact cause of IBD is unknown, but IBD is the result of a weakened immune system. Possible causes are:
How is IBD diagnosed?
How is IBD treated?
OverviewWhat is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of disorders that cause chronic inflammation (pain and swelling) in the intestines. IBD includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Both types affect the digestive system. Treatments can help manage this lifelong condition. How common is IBD?Up to three million Americans have some form of IBD. The condition affects all ages and genders. IBD most commonly occurs between the ages of 15 and 30. What are the types of IBD?Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the main types of IBD. Types include:
What’s the difference between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?IBD is a disease; IBS is a syndrome, or group of symptoms. The causes and treatments are different. IBS is a type of functional gastrointestinal disease. It affects how the bowels function, causing them to contract more (or sometimes less) often than usual. IBS is also known as spastic colon or nervous stomach. IBS doesn’t inflame or damage the intestines like IBD, so imaging scans can’t detect it and it doesn’t increase the risk of colon cancer. People with IBS rarely need hospitalization or surgery. Can you have IBD and IBS?Yes, it’s possible to have both IBD and IBS. While IBD can cause IBS symptoms, there’s no evidence that having IBS increases your risk of IBD. Symptoms and CausesWhat causes IBD?Researchers are still trying to determine why some people develop IBD. Three factors appear to play a role:
What are IBD symptoms?IBD symptoms can come and go. They may be mild or severe, and they may appear suddenly or come on gradually. Periods of IBD symptoms are IBD flares. When you don’t have symptoms, you’re in remission. IBD symptoms include:
Rarely, IBD may also cause:
What are the complications of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?People with IBD have a higher risk of developing colon (colorectal) cancer. Other potential complications include:
Diagnosis and TestsHow is IBD diagnosed?Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis cause similar symptoms. No single test can diagnose either condition. To make a diagnosis, your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms. Your workup may start with a complete blood count (CBC) and stool test to look for signs of intestinal inflammation. You may also get one or more of these diagnostic tests:
Management and TreatmentWhat are nonsurgical inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatments?IBD treatments vary depending on the particular type and symptoms. Medications can help control inflammation so you don’t have symptoms (remission). Medications to treat IBD include:
You may also benefit from these over-the-counter IBD treatments:
What are surgical treatments for Crohn’s disease?As many as 7 in 10 people with Crohn’s disease eventually need surgery when medications no longer provide symptom relief. During a bowel resection, a surgeon:
After surgery, the remaining part of the bowel adapts and functions as it did before. Approximately 6 in 10 people who undergo surgery for Crohn’s disease will have a recurrence within 10 years. Another bowel resection may be a good option for you. What are surgical treatments for ulcerative colitis?After 30+ years of living with ulcerative colitis, about 1 in 3 people need surgery. A surgeon:
Rarely, you may need an ileostomy instead of an ileal pouch. An ileostomy bag attaches outside of the belly to collect stool. A proctocolectomy is curative. Symptoms won’t return after surgery to remove the colon and rectum. However, you may have problems with the ileostomy or ileal pouch, such as pouchitis (inflammation and infection). PreventionHow can I prevent inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?While there isn’t anything you can do to prevent IBD, certain dietary and lifestyle changes may control the symptoms. You can:
Outlook / PrognosisWhat is the prognosis (outlook) for people who have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?IBD is a lifelong condition, but it shouldn’t shorten your life expectancy. With proper treatment, you can prevent flares and have long periods of remission. Managing a lifelong condition like IBD can be challenging. It’s not unusual for people with IBD to become anxious or depressed. Seeing a mental health counselor can help. Living WithWhen should I call my healthcare provider?You should call your healthcare provider if you experience:
What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?You may want to ask your healthcare provider:
A note from Cleveland Clinic Most people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) enjoy active lives. Still, symptoms of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can be life-disrupting. Some people go into remission (no symptoms) after taking medications. Some people need surgery to deal with severe symptom flare-ups. Your healthcare provider can suggest dietary and lifestyle changes to manage IBD. How do you know your colon is inflamed?Inflamed colon symptoms. diarrhea with or without blood.. abdominal pain and cramping.. fever.. urgency to have a bowel movement.. nausea.. bloating.. weight loss.. fatigue.. Where does it hurt when your colon is inflamed?Colitis can cause pain in the abdominal area. It may also cause: bleeding in the rectum. an urgency around bowel movements.
What Does a colon flare up feel like?This may involve diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping, rectal pain and bleeding, fatigue, and urgent bowel movements. Although you may feel helpless against these fluctuations, changes in your diet and lifestyle may help control your symptoms and lengthen the time between flare-ups.
Can inflammation of the colon go away?No, IBD cannot be cured. There will be periods of remission when the disease is not active. Medicines can reduce inflammation and increase the number and length of periods of remission, but there is no cure.
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