Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Overview
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Symptoms
Symptoms may be constant or occur during flare-ups. Symptoms depend on the type of IBD, but common symptoms may include:
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss and loss of appetite
- Bleeding from the intestines
- Ulcers in the intestines
- Inflammation of the rectum
- Draining around the rectum
- Bloating or feeling of fullness
- Gas
- Bloody diarrhea
- Abdominal sounds such as gurgling
- Nausea and vomiting
- Joint pain
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Images of your bodily structures may be needed. This can be done with:
- Upper GI endoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Barium enema
- X-ray
- Capsule endoscopy
Your bodily fluids and waste products may be tested. This can be done with:
- Blood tests
- Stool culture
Colonoscopy |
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Treatments
Treatment
There is no cure for IBD but treatments can help control symptoms. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:
Lifestyle Changes
IBD symptoms may be reduced with simple dietary changes. Dietary changes may include switching to a diet that is:
- Low in fat
- Rich in fruits and vegetables
- Low in fiber and dairy products, if advised by your dietitian
Overall wellness may also play a role in reducing IBD flare-ups. Find ways to reduce stress. Get plenty of rest.
Medications
Most medications for IBD focus on reducing the swelling and irritation. Medications include:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Corticosteroids
- Immune system suppressors
- Antibiotics to kill germs in the intestinal tract
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Laxatives
- Pain relievers
Surgery
Surgery is not helpful for all types of IBD. For people with severe ulcerative colitis, a surgery to remove the colon may be done.
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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All rights reserved.
a (IBD; Regional Enteritis; Ileitis; Granulomatous Ileocolitis; Ulcerative Colitis)
RESOURCES
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians https://www.familydoctor.org
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases https://www.niddk.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Health Canada https://www.canada.ca
The College of Family Physicians of Canada http://www.cfpc.ca
References
Botoman VA, Bonner GF, Botoman DA. Management of inflammatory bowel disease. Am Fam Physician. 1998;57(1):57-68.
Crohn disease in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114217/Crohn-disease-in-adults . Updated September 12, 2017. Accessed October 3, 2017.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:https://www.cdc.gov/ibd/. Updated March 14, 2017. Accessed October 3, 2017.
Ulcerative colitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114507/Ulcerative-colitis . Updated July 28, 2017. Accessed October 3, 2017.