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Definition
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the term used for a group of diseases and disorders that affect the intestinal tract. IBD causes the intestines to become inflamed and irritated. IBD is a lifelong illness that can be difficult to control.
IBD affects about 600,000 Americans every year. The two most common forms of of IBD are Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and ulcerative colitis.
There is no pharmacologic cure for IBD, but treatments can help control symptoms. While patients may temporarily recover and not experience any symptoms, recurring flare-ups are common.
Crohn's Disease
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Causes
The exact causes of IBD are unknown, but some hypotheses include:
- Heredityhaving another family member with IBD
- Contracting a germ or infection that affects the intestinal tract
- Compromised immune system or infection that affects the immune system
IBD is not a contagious infection, so it cannot be passed from person to person.
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
The following factors increase your chance of developing IBD:
Having a family member with IBD Being Caucasian or of northern European ancestryJewish ancestry increases the risk of certain types of IBDProblems with the immune system SymptomsSymptoms depend on the type of IBD, but common symptoms may include:Abdominal pain and crampingDiarrheaWeight loss and loss of appetiteBleeding from the intestinesUlcers in the intestinesInflammation of the rectumDraining around the rectumBloating or feeling of fullnessGasBloody diarrheaAbdominal sounds (gurgling, etc.)Nausea and vomitingJoint pain Diagnosis Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include the following: Endoscopya thin, lighted tube inserted down the throat to examine the colon and intestinesColonoscopya thin, lighted tube inserted down the throat to examine the lungs and air passages Barium enemainjection of fluid into the rectum that makes your colon show up on an x-ray so the doctor can see abnormal spots in your colon X-raya test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body, especially bones Capsule endoscopya wireless pill sized camera that you swallow. It takes pictures of the small intestine as it passes through your intestines.Blood testsStool culture Colonoscopy 2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.
TreatmentTalk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include: Lifestyle ChangesEating a healthy diet, low in fats and rich in fruits and vegetables, can control IBD symptoms. Reducing fiber and dairy products in the diet is also recommended.Reducing stress and getting plenty of rest can also reduce symptoms and flare-ups. Medications Most medications for IBD focus on reducing the inflammation that causes symptoms. Medications include: Anti-inflammatory drugsCorticosteroidsImmune system suppressorsAntibiotics to kill germs in the intestinal tractAntidiarrhealsLaxativesPain relievers SurgeryWhile surgery is not helpful for all types of IBD, surgery to remove the colon is an option for patients who suffer from very severe ulcerative colitis. PreventionBecause IBD is often inherited, there are no known measures that can prevent getting the disease. To prevent flare-ups, it is important to maintain a healthy diet and reduce stress. RESOURCES: American Academy of Family Physicianshttp://www.aafp.org Nemours Foundationhttp://www.kidshealth.org/parent/medical/digestive/ibd.html CANADIAN RESOURCES: BC Health Guidehttp://www.bchealthguide.org/ Canadian Family Physicianhttp://www.cfpc.ca/cfp/
References: The references below are cited on the following website: American Gastroenterological Association website. Available at: http://www.gastro.org/wmspage.cfm?parm1=851 . Accessed June 25, 2007. Brandt LJ, Steiner-Grossman P, eds. Treating IBD: A Patients Guide to the Medical and Surgical Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease . New York: Raven Press;1989. Steiner-Grossman P, Banks PA, Present DH, eds. The New People Not Patients: A Source Book for Living with IBD . Dubuque, Iowa: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company;1992. Botoman VA, Bonner GF, Botoman DA. Management of inflammatory bowel disease.1998;57(1). American Family Physician website. Available at: http://www.aafp.org/afp/980101ap/botoman.html Accessed June 27, 2007. Crohn's disease. Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia. US National Library of Medicine website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000249.htm.Accessed June 27, 2007. DynaMed website. Available at: http://dynamed102.ebscohost.com/Detail.aspx?style=1&docid=/dynamed/2ce4ecad72b93cc7852562b600120334. Accessed June 25, 2007.
Inflammatory bowel disease. American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/digestive/disorders/252.html.Accessed June 27, 2007. Ulcerative colitis. Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia. US National Library of Medicine website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000250.htm.Accessed June 27, 2007. Last reviewed May 2008 by Daus Mahnke, MDPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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