Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, cause comparable symptoms. No single diagnostic can detect either illness. To make a diagnosis, Dr. Bharat Pothuri may order a complete blood count (CBC) and stool test to search for signs of intestinal inflammation. Your specialist may also subject you to one or more of the following diagnostic tests:
1. A colonoscopy is a procedure used to check the big and small intestines.
2. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) examines the digestive system for swelling and ulcers.
3. Flexible sigmoidoscopy is used to see inside the rectum and anus.
4. A CT or MRI scan is used to look for symptoms of inflammation or an abscess.
5. Upper endoscopy is a procedure that examines the digestive tract from the mouth to the beginning of the small intestine.
6. Capsule endoscopy involves swallowing tiny camera equipment. The camera captures images as it moves through your digestive tract.
Inflammatory bowel disease symptoms
As with other chronic conditions, those with inflammatory bowel disease will have periods when the disease flares up and produces symptoms, followed by periods when the symptoms reduce or vanish and good health returns. The severity of the symptoms varies depending on which portion of the digestive system is affected. The symptoms include:
- Abdominal cramps and discomfort.
- Diarrhea that might be bloody.
- Loss of appetite.
- Severe urgency to have a bowel movement.
- Fever.
- Iron deficiency anemia due to blood loss.
- Weight loss.
The common causes of inflammatory bowel disease
IBD is a disease that has no known cause. Some factor, or a combination of agents, such as bacteria, viruses, or antigens, causes your body’s immune system to create an inflammatory response in the intestinal tract. Recent research indicates that a combination of inherited, genetic, or environmental variables may cause IBD. It is also possible that the body’s tissue causes an autoimmune reaction. Whatever the source, the response continues uncontrollably and destroys the intestinal wall, resulting in diarrhea and abdominal discomfort.
How to prevent IBD
You cannot prevent hereditary causes of IBD. However, you may be able to lower your chance of getting IBD or prevent a return of symptoms by eating nutrient-rich meals, exercising frequently, and quitting smoking. IBD can cause pain, but by following your doctor’s treatment plan, you can manage the condition and live a healthy, active lifestyle.
The prognosis for those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Although IBD is a chronic disorder, it should not affect your life expectancy. With the right therapy, you can avoid flares and enjoy long periods of remission. Managing a chronic ailment like IBD may be difficult. It is not unusual for those with IBD to experience anxiety or depression. Seeing a mental health counselor can be beneficial.
Most patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have active lifestyles. However, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis symptoms can be distressing. To address IBD symptoms, your healthcare professional may recommend dietary and lifestyle adjustments. Call GastroDoxs to schedule your meeting today to determine your ideal inflammatory bowel disease treatments.
