Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract that encompasses two main types: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Living with IBD poses challenges, and individuals with this condition need to manage it with the help of a gastroenterologist, or GI doctor.
In this article, we’ll discuss everything there is to know about inflammatory bowel disease, including the risks it poses to digestive and overall health. We will also cover the available treatments for managing this complex condition, and where you can go in Austin for comprehensive IBD treatment.
What are the Symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
Inflammatory bowel disease can cause a variety of symptoms, some of which include:
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Diarrhea, sometimes bloody
- Fatigue
- Unintended weight loss
- Reduced appetite
- Rectal bleeding
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Skin rash
- Mouth sores
These symptoms can significantly impair quality of life and may fluctuate over time, with periods of remission alternating with flare-ups of disease activity.
What are the Risks to Digestive and Overall Health?
Inflammatory bowel disease is not only limited to the gastrointestinal tract but can also affect other organs and systems in the body.
Some of the risks associated with IBD include:
- Malnutrition: Chronic inflammation and impaired nutrient absorption in the intestines can lead to malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, and weight loss.
- Gastrointestinal Complications: IBD increases the risk of complications such as strictures (narrowing of the intestines), fistulas (abnormal connections between organs), and bowel obstructions.
- Colon Cancer: Individuals with long-standing ulcerative colitis have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer, highlighting the importance of regular surveillance and screening.
- Extraintestinal Manifestations: IBD can also affect other parts of the body, leading to complications such as skin disorders, eye inflammation, and liver problems.
- Psychosocial Impact: Living with a chronic illness like IBD can take a toll on mental health, leading to anxiety and depression.
How Can Inflammatory Bowel Disease Be Treated?
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, both forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), are managed differently based on their distinct characteristics. Ulcerative colitis primarily affects the colon and rectum, while Crohn’s disease can impact any part of the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus, often in a patchy distribution.
While there are similarities in some treatment approaches, there are also key differences in how these conditions are treated:
Treatment Similarities
Both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can be managed through the use of medications that aim to manage inflammation, such as:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs – To lower inflammation levels caused by the nature of the disease.
- Immunosuppressants – Suppressing the immune system’s response, thereby reducing inflammation in the digestive tract.
- Steroids – Can be used to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms during IBD flare-ups.
- Biologics – Medications derived from living organisms that target specific immune system proteins involved in the inflammatory response, when other medications have not provided adequate relief.
Lifestyle modifications, including dietary adjustments, stress management, and regular exercise, also play a crucial role in managing symptoms and promoting overall well-being for individuals with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Treatment Differences
Surgery for Crohn’s disease is usually a resection of the affected segment of the small bowel to alleviate symptoms and lower the risk of complications from the disease. Surgical intervention usually causes an improvement or elimination of symptoms of Crohn’s disease for years.
Surgery for ulcerative colitis usually involves the removal of the colon or a colectomy and is usually recommended for patients who have stopped responding to medication and are unable to go into remission. The doctor may perform an ileostomy to bring the small intestine through the abdominal wall or create a new rectum from the small bowel in ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.
Where To Go for IBD Treatment
When seeking treatment for inflammatory bowel disease, it is important to choose an experienced gastroenterologist for your care. The relationship with your GI doctor is ideally life-long, given the nature of the disease. The right gastroenterology specialist can make a big difference in your health and quality of life.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treatment in Austin, TX
At Austin Gastroenterology, our board-certified gastroenterologists regularly see patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Being diagnosed with IBD can make you feel alone, and our team’s experience in dealing with the disease combined with our compassionate nature means you will have a supportive healthcare team by your side.
To schedule a consultation with one of our GI doctors, call our location near you or use our online form to schedule your visit. We look forward to welcoming you to any of our GI clinics in Austin.
