These details about intestinal bowel disease or IBD are very important
Posted on: 25/Sep/2018 9:51:01 AM
Also called as IBD, intestinal bowel disease is a term that describes two disorders like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. It is revealed that these two conditions could result in prolonged inflammation of our digestive tract. The ulcerative colitis mainly affects our colon and rectum whereas Crohn’s disease affects our small and large intestines plus it also affects mouth, oesophagus, stomach and anus.
It is well known that our digestive tract has mouth, stomach, small intestines, large intestines oesophagus etc. These organs play important roles like breaking down of food, removal of waste products and nutrients absorption etc. Disruption in the functions of the above mentioned organs could result from inflammation in any part of the digestive tract.
Symptoms of intestinal bowel disease:
Persons with this IBD show various symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, rectal bleeding etc. The persons would have severe muscular spasms or cramps in the pelvis portion and there would be loss in the weight.
The risk factors for developing Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are
Smoking:
It is revealed that smoking is one of the factors responsible for Crohn’s disease. Complications are increased by smoking. It must be noted that ulcerative colitis affects non-smokers.
Age:
Age is another risk factor for developing IBD. This IBD could happen at any age but it usually starts before 35 years.
Family history:
Research studies have proved that people whose parents or siblings with IBD are at greater risk of getting IBD in themselves.
Ethnicity:
Though this IBD is present in all populations certain ethnic groups like Caucasians or Ashkenazi Jews have higher risk of getting IBD.
Certain medications:
Risk of developing IBD is more when persons use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, naproxen etc.
How is this IBD diagnosed?
In the first step the doctor would ask details about the family history and bowel movements etc. Stool sample and blood tests would be carried out. To differentiate between ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, blood tests are done. Sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy are often used to examine the intestines. Colonoscopy examines the total length of the large intestines and sigmoidoscopy examines the last 20 m of the large intestines. Capsule endoscopy could also be conducted to examine the small intestine. Both CT scan as well as MRI would also help in the diagnosis of IBD.
Treatment for IBD:
Aminosalicylates and corticosteroids are used to treat this IBD. To prevent further infections, patients are required to take vaccinations. In some severe cases surgery is also done.
