The digestive system is critical in every aspect of your health. Other than food digestion, it helps strengthen your immune system and the absorption of nutrients into the body. Trust me; you will know when you have a gastrointestinal problem, for most likely experiencing abdominal pain or diarrhea. Usually, the symptoms go away, but when they do not, make sure to see a doctor. A specialist in inflammatory bowel disease in Antonio can help you relieve your symptoms and restore your health. Read on about what inflammatory bowel disease is all about.
What is inflammatory bowel disease?
It involves inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to distressing symptoms. Inflammatory bowel disease involves two conditions, Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis disease.
What are the causes of inflammatory bowel disease?
There is no known cause of inflammatory disease; however, the condition may occur due to a weak immune system. Typically, an immune system protects the body against disease but attacks foreign pathogens, including bacteria and viruses. However, in the case of inflammatory bowel disease, the immune system acts wrongly towards environmental triggers, leading to inflammation.
You are also likely to suffer from the disease if you have a family history of inflammatory bowel disease.
Symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease
The most common symptoms include.
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramping
- Poor appetite
- Abdominal cramping
- Bloody stools
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Sudden weight loss
- Fever
When not treated, the symptoms may become severe. It is also possible to not show any symptoms.
What is the difference between ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease?
The conditions are different in the following ways.
The inflammation pattern
Ulcerative colitis causes the same inflammation to the entire colon. While for the case of Crohn’s disease, some parts have inflammation while others remain healthy.
The area affected
Ulcerative colitis affects the colon and the rectum, whereas Crohn’s disease may occur anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract. It usually affects large and small intestines; however, it may occur in your stomach, esophagus, or anus.
Depth of inflammation
Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation to your inner intestinal lining. Inflammation for Crohn’s disease can occur in any tissue layer.
A significant number of individuals with inflammatory bowel disease show symptoms of both Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis disease, a condition referred to as irritable bowel disease unclassified.
Treatments for inflammatory bowel disease
Before prescribing your treatment, your provider conducts a thorough diagnosis through the following:
- Stool testing
- CT or MRI scans
- Blood testing
- X-rays
- Colonoscopy
- Endoscopy
The diagnostic tests are important in determining the degree of damage and the areas affected.
Your treatment options at Digestive & Liver Disease include the following:
- Medications, such as antibiotics, immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, among others
- Lifestyle modifications, including regular exercise, healthy diets, nutritional supplements
- Surgical options when you do not find relief with conservative treatments. Surgery involves removing the inflamed part, rectifying some complications, and then joining with the healthy parts
Inflammatory bowel disease leads to the inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The condition causes uncomfortable symptoms that may disrupt your healthy living. Though it does not have a known cause, it has effective treatments. Contact the team at Digestive & Liver Disease today to schedule your consultation.
