IBD – What to Know?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) comprises two conditions – Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. It is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the digestive tract.

When to suspect IBD?

If a person has the below symptoms when affected with IBD.

The symptoms are, 

• Diarrhoea
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Blood in stools
• Reduced appetite
• Unexplained weight loss

Risk factors

• Genetics
• Improper diet
• Gluten sensitivity
• Low immunity
• Stress

When to consult a doctor?

 If a person has a consistent change in bowel habits, it is important to consult a doctor.

What investigations are available for IBD?

The following tests are done to investigate IBD,

• Colonoscopy
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy
• Capsule endoscopy
• Upper GI endoscopy
• Balloon assisted enteroscopy

What are the treatment modalities available for IBD?

The treatments available for IBD are,

• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Immune suppressors

Prognosis

• Intestinal complications with nutritional deficiency – High risk
• High risk for Colon cancer in Ulcerative colitis
• Prevalence of extraintestinal complications such as – Uveitis, Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Pyoderma Gangrenosum, Erythema Nodosum, Coronary Artery Disease.

How to prevent IBD?

The following steps can be practised to prevent IBD,

• Stress-free life
• Exercise
• Nutrition-rich foods

Conclusion

IBD is a life-challenging and life-changing disease. One must take the utmost care in taking care of one’s lifestyle, food habits, and stress levels, as any moderate change may be a triggering factor. A proper precautionary measure and proper planning are mandatory for people affected with inflammatory bowel disease.