CONDITIONS TREATED

Inflammatory bowel disease

What is an inflammatory bowel disease?
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term used to describe a collection of intestinal illnesses in which the digestive tract is inflamed for an extended period. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are both classified as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). They are characterised by chronic gastrointestinal (GI) tract inflammation. Long-term inflammation damages the gastrointestinal tract. The digestive or gastrointestinal tract comprises the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.

What are the causes of inflammatory bowel disease?

There is no known specific cause of IBD, but there are numerous risk factors that increase the chances of developing IBD, including:

  • Family history
  • Genetics
  • Immune system
  • Smoking
  • Ethnicity
  • Age
  • Environment
  • Gender

What is Crohn’s disease?

An inflammatory bowel disorder affecting the intestine, Crohn’s disease affects the gastrointestinal tract. It causes digestive tract inflammation, resulting in stomach pain, severe diarrhoea, exhaustion, weight loss, and malnutrition. There are different parts of the digestive tract affected by Crohn’s disease in different people. This inflammation frequently spreads into the bowel's deeper layers. This chronic illness is incurable. In contrast, Crohn’s disease therapy usually allows you to live an active lifestyle and regulates your symptoms.

Resource: What is IBD

What is Ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is one of the most common inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) characterised by inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. The rectum and large intestine are affected by ulcerative colitis. Symptoms usually appear gradually rather than abruptly. Symptoms can be persistent or intermittent. Diarrhoea, weight loss, abdominal discomfort, anaemia, and blood or pus in bowel movements are symptoms. Ulcerative colitis has no known cure. Ulcerative colitis has no known cure. Inflammation can be reduced with the use of medications. For more complex instances, surgery is an option.

Treatment Options for IBD

Irritable bowel disease treatment aims to lessen the inflammation that causes your signs and symptoms. In the best-case scenario, this could result in symptom relief and long-term remission and lower complications risks. Treatments for IBD include:

  • Medications
  • Biologics
  • Supplements
  • Nutrition
  • Lifestyle changes
  • Surgery

FAQ:

1. Are inflammatory bowel diseases serious?

Although inflammatory bowel disease is seldom deadly, it is a severe condition that can lead to life-threatening consequences in some individuals.

2. Do inflammatory bowel diseases go away?

There is no cure for IBD. Treatment will focus on reducing symptoms, achieving and maintaining remission, and avoiding complications.

3. Are inflammatory bowel diseases painful?

Irritable bowel illness is characterised by abdominal pain. Pain can be caused by various factors, including partial obstruction, gut distention, and severe intestinal inflammation.