All About IBD
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is composed of diseases that cause inflammation in the intestines. The inflammation lasts for a long time. About 4 million people suffer from some form of IBD or another. IBD (not similar as inflammatory bowel syndrome) is characterized by serious symptoms such as bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain. IBD may also cause growth problems in children because it causes loss of nutrients from the food a child eats.
Two major types of IBD are ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Here are some facts relating to both:
1. Crohn's disease occurs when the lining of the intestine is inflamed and consequently ulcers develop. Although, Crohn's disease can develop in any part of the digestive system, it mainly occurs in the lower part of the small intestine. A person suffering from Crohn's disease shows symptoms like abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea, fever and weight loss.
2. Some people with Crohn's disease have minor symptoms while others experience frequent diarrhea, ulcers and problems in other parts of the body such as eye irritation and skin rashes. 3. In ulcerative colitis, the large intestine becomes inflamed. As a result, ulcers develop. The inflammation is restricted to the large intestine only. It cannot affect other parts of the digestive tract. 4. Intervals of active disease and periods of remission characterize IBD. Medicines and drugs are frequently used to prevent inflammation or control flare ups. Besides watching the dietary habits, people who suffer with IBD should get enough sleep. It would also help to manage stress. Moreover, breathing and relaxation exercises may also help some. 5. Based on a patients symptoms, the doctor will diagnose whether you have ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. Your bowel movements may be tested for germs. The doctor will probably look inside your intestine with a colonoscope so as to confirm the illness. Special x-rays may also help in diagnosing the illness. Endoscopy is the best method for diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. 6. In case the disease shows mild symptoms, home remedies and medications will help reduce the inflammation. But if the ulcerative colitis becomes so severe that it cannot be treated by medicines, it may become necessary to remove the colon completely. Crohn's disease is, however, incurable. It usually is not helped by surgery. Since both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can flare up at any period of time and their symptoms cant be foreseen, patients tend to feel depressed and frustrated. High level of depression or anxiety may prove fatal. In such circumstances, it is important for a patient to discuss all feelings and worries with the family doctor, friends and family members. This open discussion may release some of the tensions and encourage the patient to feel positive. So here is a mantra for the patients: get timely treatment for IBD, manage the symptoms, and be positive. This way, the festival of life remains as magically endearing as it always is.
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