More than 3 million Americans are living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). More concerning, the data shows that number is rising. This makes awareness of the signs and symptoms of IBD more important than ever.

What Is IBD?

IBD is a general term for a group of lifelong, chronic conditions that cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The most common types are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. The inflammation involved in ulcerative colitis causes ulcers to develop in the lining of the colon. Crohn’s disease affects the superficial and deeper tissues within the intestinal wall. 

The severity of inflammation varies from person to person. Some patients experience only mild symptoms. For others, IBD can be a debilitating disease affecting quality of life and resulting in complications that can be life-threatening. Complications include anal fissures, fistulas, bowel obstruction, colon perforation, blood clots and colon cancer, among others.

What Causes IBD?

We still don’t know what causes inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Research has not provided an exact cause. However, there are a number of factors known to play a role in the development of IBD. Rather than a single cause, IBD is most likely the result of a combination of genetic predisposition, dysregulation of the immune system and environmental triggers.

Risk factors contributing to inflammatory bowel disease include: 

  • Family history: Having a first-degree relative with IBD increases your risk of developing IBD.
  • Immune dysfunction: While not necessarily an autoimmune disease, the chronic inflammation involved in IBD may be caused by dysregulation of the immune response.
  • Early gut microbiome development: Environmental factors during childhood can influence the development of the microbiome and increase the risk of IBD. These include limited germ exposure, being bottle-fed or antibiotic use in the first year of life.
  • Lifestyle Triggers: Although lifestyle habits don’t cause IBD, they can contribute to the development of those conditions. Smoking is a high-risk factor, particularly for Crohn’s disease. The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and chronic stress are also believed to be contributing factors.

What Are The Symptoms Of IBD?

IBD symptoms range from mild to severe with most people experiencing periods of active disease and periods of remission throughout their lives. Symptoms include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Appetite loss
  • Bloody stool
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Unintentional weight loss

Diagnosis And Treatment Of IBD

An IBD diagnosis is usually made through a combination of blood tests, stool studies and endoscopic procedures. Lab tests check for inflammation, infection, bacteria, parasites and organ function. Endoscopic procedures allow doctors to view the digestive tract directly and perform biopsies for tissue analysis. In some cases, a CT scan or an MRI may also be required.

Once properly diagnosed, IBD is treated with lifestyle changes and medications to reduce inflammation. This combination offers symptom relief and (for some) long-term remission. This first-line treatment includes the following items.

  • Prescription Medications: There are a number of medicines that can be used to combat IBD. They include anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, biologics, immunomodulating medicines and small-molecule medications.
  • Over-The-Counter Drugs And Supplements: Antidiarrheals and pain relievers may be required in the short-term. However, they are not a permanent solution. Fiber supplements are often beneficial, and vitamin supplementation may be required for patients suffering from malabsorption.
  • Nutrition: Dietary recommendations include following an anti-inflammatory diet, identifying and avoiding foods that trigger symptoms, and opting for highly digestible foods when symptoms flare up. For patients with stenosis or significant weight loss, special diets may be recommended.
  • Lifestyle Modifications: Quitting smoking is one of the most critical lifestyle changes that people with inflammatory bowel disease should make. Other important factors in recovery include managing stress, getting regular exercise and avoiding NSAIDs. 

For patients who don’t recover with medication and lifestyle changes or who experience complications, surgery may also be required. This can include removal of part of the digestive tract, sections of or all of the colon, or surgery to address fistulas and abscesses.

Living With IBD

With early diagnosis and proper treatment, most patients can achieve remission and maintain a good quality of life. At GastroIntestinal Specialists (GIS), our board-certified gastroenterologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We offer access to local clinical trials. To learn more about our current studies, visit gis.md/current-studies. 

The team at GastroIntestinal Specialists, A.M.C., treats multiple conditions and diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Our board-certified physicians have more than 325 years of combined experience in providing quality care you can trust. To schedule an appointment, call (318) 631-9121 or visit gis.md.