CONDITIONS
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
What is inflammatory bowel disease?
Inflammatory bowel disease refers to a group of disorders characterized by swelling and inflammation of the tissues within the digestive tract.
Common forms of inflammatory bowel disease include the following:
- Ulcerative colitis is a condition that results in inflammation and the development of ulcers along the inner lining of the rectum and colon.
- Crohn’s disease causes inflammation that can extend through the deeper layers of the digestive tract and may affect both the small and large intestines.
Common symptoms of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis include fatigue, weight loss, rectal bleeding, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain.
What are the common signs of inflammatory bowel disease?
- Traces of blood in the stool
- Stomach pain and abdominal cramping
- Reduced appetite
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
When should I consider seeing a doctor for inflammatory bowel disease?
Individuals who experience significant changes in bowel habits or exhibit symptoms suggestive of inflammatory bowel disease should consult a healthcare specialist for evaluation and management.
What causes inflammatory bowel disease?
The precise cause of inflammatory bowel disease is unknown; however, several factors are associated with an increased risk of developing the disorder:
- Dysfunction of the immune system may lead to an inappropriate immune response targeting cells within the digestive tract.
- A genetic predisposition may contribute to the development of inflammatory bowel disease.
- Environmental factors, including early gastrointestinal infections or bottle feeding during infancy, may also increase susceptibility.
How do you check for inflammatory bowel disease?
Colonoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting a flexible, lighted tube through the rectum to visualize the colon and, in some cases, the small intestine. This procedure allows for the detection of inflammation and the collection of tissue samples for biopsy.
Upper endoscopy is a diagnostic procedure in which a flexible, lighted tube is introduced through the mouth to examine the oesophagus, stomach, and small intestine. This procedure is recommended for individuals presenting with symptoms such as difficulty eating, upper abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.
How do you resolve inflammatory bowel disease?
The primary goals of treatment are to reduce inflammation, manage symptoms effectively, and prevent potential complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
All disease
begins in the gut.
