The general public often misunderstands diseases in the digestive system. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are a group of diseases including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. They are chronic conditions affecting the intestines. They both cause inflammation inside the body's digestive tract, which can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. The intestines are the part of the body that allows food to be digested and waste to leave the body. Inflammatory bowel diseases happen when there is hurt and swelling in the intestines, which causes them to become thick, bumpy, or lumpy. We will discuss inflammatory bowel disease, how it affects people's lives, and how one can manage these conditions.
Inflammatory bowel diseases are chronic illnesses that affect the digestive tract. People with inflammatory bowel diseases may have many different symptoms depending on the inflammation location. IBD is a condition that can have a significant impact on people's lives. They greatly impact their quality of life and their ability to work, study and participate in social activities. IBD can lead to long-term complications and increased risk of serious health problems.
Symptoms of IBD
IBD symptoms can sometimes be very mild, but when they are intense, the effects on people's lives can be devastating. Various signs and symptoms may affect the digestive system and possibly other organs such as joints, skin, eyes, and liver. IBD symptoms include gas, bloating, vomiting, fever, and weight loss. Sometimes these symptoms can be so severe that they lead to malnutrition. Other signs and symptoms of IBD are joint pain and skin lesions. Symptoms of IBD may develop slowly and arise for months or years. They may also come on suddenly, with an acute flare-up, often called a relapse.
Which Disorders are In the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Umbrella?
Inflammatory Bowel Disease comprises several different chronic disorders that can be very debilitating. Each type has similar effects on the intestines but has other characteristics. Let's discuss inflammatory bowel disease disorders under the IBD umbrella.
- Crohn's Disease - Also known as ileitis or enteritis, Crohn's disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the digestive system, from the mouth to the anus. It causes inflammation of the lining of these areas, which can result in abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. People with Crohn's disease may also have eye problems, such as glaucoma or ulcers in the eye's cornea. In young children, Crohn's disease can cause a failure to grow at normal rates.
- Ulcerative Colitis - Ulcerative colitis is another chronic disorder under the umbrella of inflammatory bowel disease. It affects the colon, which is the final part of the large intestine. The colon is divided into three parts: ascending, transverse, and descending. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation of the inner lining of the rectum and large intestine. Ulcerative colitis can be diagnosed by a physical exam or a test that shows certain kinds of changes in tissue fluid or blood, called biopsies. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis include blood in stools, diarrhea (often with mucus), and abdominal cramps.
IBD Treatment
There are several treatments for individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases. Treatment may include medications, surgery, diet changes, or other therapies. Treatment aims at reducing inflammation and controlling diarrhea. An ideal treatment plan should involve a combination of drugs, a healthy diet, and exercise to manage symptoms. To get a correct diagnosis, doctors will perform a medical examination, look at the patient's medical history, and do some tests. A blood test can be used to confirm the diagnosis of IBD. The doctor may also order a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy to examine tissue samples from the intestines.
The immune system causes the intestines to become irritated when a person has inflammatory bowel disease. It can make absorbing nutrients from foods difficult. Some essential nutrients not being absorbed include calories, proteins, and vitamins. If a person does not receive enough nutrients, their body will have trouble growing and repairing. The lining of the digestive tract will also be affected because the mucosal layer is not working correctly.