Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Causes-Symptoms-Diagnosis-Treatment

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11 Jun, 2023

What is Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?

Inflammatory bowel disease is a term that describes disorders that involve chronic inflammation of your digestive tract.

Inflammatory bowel disease

There are several types of IBD, including:

Ulcerative colitis.This condition is characterized by inflammation and ulcers on the surface of the large intestine (colon) and rectum.
Crohn's disease.This type of IBD involves inflammation of the lining of your digestive tract. It is often found in the deeper layers of the digestive tract.

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are usually associated with diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss.

IBD (intestinal bypass surgery) can be very debilitating and sometimes lead to life-threatening complications.

Digestive system

Medical terms

People with inflammatory intestinal maladies (IBD) like Crohn’s disease and colitis have chronic enteric inflammation. Symptoms embrace abdomen cramps, symptoms and gas. Medications and surgery will facilitate IBD flares, golf shot the condition into remission.
Inflammatory intestine malady (IBD) could be a cluster of disorders that cause chronic inflammation (pain and swelling) within the intestines. IBD includes Crohn’s malady and colitis. Each variety has an effect on the systema digestorium. Treatments will facilitate managing this long condition.
Up to 3 million Americans have some type of IBD. The condition affects all ages and genders. IBD most typically happens between the ages of fifteen and thirty.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a broad term that describes conditions characterized by chronic inflammation of the alimentary tract. The 2 commonest inflammatory intestine maladys are unit colitis and Crohn’s disease. Inflammation affects the complete canal in Crohn’s malady and solely the massive viscus (also referred to as the colon) in colitis. Each disease is associated with an abnormal response to the body’s system.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term used to describe the chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are both types of IBD Approximately 1 in 250 Americans have either Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis making these diseases more common than Parkinson's disease multiple sclerosis and cystic fibrosis combined It is not unusual for someone with IBD to have relatives who also have this condition Both men and women can develop IBD but it is two to three times more likely to occur in men than women The average age at which it begins is.

treatment Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) also known as inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS) refers to a group of inflammatory conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract particularly the colon and small intestine The main diseases in this group are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (UC) In addition to pain and diarrhea people with IBD may experience malnutrition because they sometimes cannot ingest food as it is digested properly Medications can help manage symptoms by reducing inflammation but there is no cure for IBD Therefore surgery is often used in order to remove all or part of the intestines that have been affected by.

Types Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the main types of IBD. Types include:

Crohn’s disease causes pain and swelling in the digestive tract. It can affect any part from the mouth to the anus. It most commonly affects the small intestine and upper part of the large intestine.
Ulcerative colitis causes swelling and sores (ulcers) in the large intestine (colon and rectum).
Microscopic colitis causes intestinal inflammation that’s only detectable with a microscope.

Symptoms Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

The symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can vary depending on the severity of inflammation and where it occurs. Symptoms may range from mild to severe. You may have periods of active illness followed by periods of remission.

Some of the signs and symptoms that are common to both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis include:

Diarrhea
Fatigue
Abdominal pain and cramping
Blood in your stool
Reduced appetite
Unintended weight loss

When to see a doctor

If you experience a persistent change in your bowel habits or any of the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, see your doctor. Although inflammatory bowel disease is not usually fatal, it can be a serious condition that, in some cases, can lead to life-threatening complications.

Causes Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

No one knows the exact cause of inflammatory bowel disease, but doctors have recently learned that factors like diet and stress may aggravate it, but they're not the root cause.

There are many possible causes for IBD, but one of the most common is an immune system malfunction. This can happen when your immune system tries to fight off a virus or bacterium, but an abnormal response causes it to attack cells in the digestive tract. Heredity also seems to be a factor in that IBD is more common in people who have a family history of the condition. People who have IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) often have a family history of the disease. However, this is not always the case.

Risk factors Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Age.Most people who develop inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are diagnosed before they're 30 years old. But some people don't develop the disease until their 50s or 60s.
Race or ethnicity.Whites are at the highest risk for developing the disease, but it can occur in any race.
Family history.If you have a close relative with the disease, you are at a higher risk of getting the disease.
Cigarette smoking.Smoking is the most important controllable risk factor for developing Crohn's disease.
Smoking may help prevent ulcerative colitis, but it harms your overall health more than it benefits it. Quitting smoking can improve your digestive tract as well as provide many other health benefits.
Anti-inflammatory medications not steroidal.Some medications used to treat IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve). These medications may increase the risk of developing IBD or make the disease worse in people who have IBD.

Is IBD serious?

IBD can be serious because anyone at any age of any gender or ethnic group may develop symptoms A person with IBD who has persistent diarrhea is losing essential vitamins and minerals that are needed for good health Weight loss fatigue and ongoing pain can be a sign that the disease is affecting your quality of life This means it's time to see a doctor or nurse to discuss treatments and medication options With the proper treatment plan in place you can find relief and maintain remission so you can live an active lifestyle again!.

How is IBD inflammatory bowel disease prevented?

Like many other diseases inflammatory bowel disease does not have a cure But there are things you can do to help prevent it from developing or recurring if you already have IBD The following steps may also reduce the severity of your symptoms and allow you to live a more active lifestyle: 1. Eating healthy foods and steering clear of anything that could cause inflammation will go a long way in preventing IBD from occurring or recurring in people who already have the condition. In addition to avoiding potential irritants follow these tips to learn how to choose healthier options when dining out: o Drink.

How long does it take to cure inflammatory bowel disease?

IBD is a non-contagious disease that occurs when the immune system attacks part of the digestive tract IBD cannot be cured but it can usually be successfully managed by altering the diet and managing stress Surgery sometimes helps to relieve symptoms and reduce complications but there is no cure for Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis Scientists have not unlocked all of the mysteries surrounding this inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) so treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and reducing complications.

Does IBD shorten your life?

Does Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis shorten life? Is it possible that living with these diseases can cause an early death? As with many health issues there isn't one simple answer to this question For some people with IBD especially those that are not under medical care the quality of their lives may be diminished and they die sooner than non-IBD patients However for most of us who have made lifestyle changes due to the disease and taken medications that control symptoms we live normal lives Before discussing why patients live a “normal” life despite having IBD it is helpful to understand what.

What foods heal the colon?

A healthy digestive system is usually achieved by eating foods that are high in fiber and mild in fat Because the colon absorbs water it's important to limit salty foods and drinks while drinking plenty of pure water Be sure to include raw fruits and vegetables packed with antioxidants so they can work as natural cleansers for your colon The following are beta-carotene rich foods that will help you heal your colon naturally.

What vitamin is good for the colon?

The answer is: Vitamin E can be good for the colon Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin with many benefits to human bodies It helps people reduce cholesterol levels in their blood defend against cardiovascular disease and increase immunity Besides it is also good at treating dry eyes hair loss and age spots What’s more vitamin E can help lower blood pressure delay aging and improve brain functions However how to choose the best supplement of vitamin E? This article will give you tips on choosing the best natural supplements of vitamin E for your daily life Step 1 Compare information about different.

Complications Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Some complications common to both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease include: -Complications that are common to both conditions may include:

Colon cancer.Having ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease can increase your risk of developing colon cancer. Screening for cancer usually begins about 8-10 years after the diagnosis is made. Your doctor may advise you when and how frequently you need to have this test done.
Skin, eye and joint inflammation.During IBD flare-ups, certain disorders may occur, including arthritis, skin lesions, and eye inflammation (uveitis).
Medication side effects.Some medications for IBD may be associated with a small risk of developing certain cancers. Corticosteroids can be associated with a high risk of osteoporosis, high blood pressure, and other conditions.
Primary sclerosing cholangitis.Inflammation causes scarring in the bile ducts, eventually narrowing them and causing liver damage.
Blood clots.Having IBD increases the risk of blood clots in veins and arteries.

Crohn's disease may include complications such as:

Bowel obstruction.Crohn's disease affects the entire thickness of the intestinal wall. Over time, parts of the bowel can thicken and narrow, which may block the passage of digestive contents. You may require surgery to remove the diseased portion of your bowel.
Malnutrition.If you have diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cramps, it may be difficult for you to eat or absorb enough nutrients from your food. You may also develop anemia due to a lack of iron or vitamin B-12.
Fistulas.Inflammation can sometimes extend through the intestinal wall, creating a hole (fistula) between different parts of the body. Fistulas near or around the anus are the most common kind. In some cases a fistula may become infected and develop into an abscess.
Anal fissure.This is a small tear in the area that lines the anus or surrounds the anus. This can lead to an infection in the bowel area, and in some cases, a hole may form in the skin near the anus.

Some complications of ulcerative colitis may include:

Toxic megacolon.Ulcerative colitis may cause the colon to rapidly enlarge and swell, leading to a serious condition known as toxic megacolon.
A hole in the colon (perforated colon).A perforated colon is most commonly caused by a toxic megacolon, but it may also occur on its own.
Severe dehydration.Dehydration can occur if diarrhea is excessive.

Diagnosis Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Inflammatory bowel disease FAQs

Gastroenterologist William Faubion M.D. has the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about inflammatory bowel disease.

There is not one answer to this question. It depends on where your inflammatory bowel disease is affecting and how severe your case is. Every practitioner will tell you that an ideal world would be where the disease didn't have a significant impact on your life. Inflammatory bowel disease has been well studied and it does not significantly affect the majority of people in that situation. We care about the lifespan of the patients, but we are more concerned with their quality of life. In most cases, I think an appropriate medical plan can keep patients free of symptoms for up to three years. If you get sick, it may affect your life in ways that you may not have anticipated. You'll need to stay in touch with your treatment team and take the medications they have prescribed. But if you do those three things, most practitioners would tell you that you're likely to be fine. We'd rather you not be worrying about your inflammatory bowel disease. We will take care of that.

Most people who research Inflammatory bowel disease may be caused by environmental factors, such as a poor diet, or it may be the result of a particular bug that lives in the bowel. It can also be the result of genes. The most important thing is to have the right genes. Inflammatory bowel disease is complicated and has many different causes. Chronic inflammation is actually quite common. Most people have the right genetic makeup to develop this disease, but they don't actually get it. And then the third component is that these two things impact on the immune system. And the immune system is what is causing the chronic inflammation that's responsible for the disease. The medications we prescribe to treat a condition are present in the intestine.

There is no clear evidence that controlling inflammation in the bowel will extend a person's lifespan. Multiple lines of research show that when patients with the same medical problems and age are treated the same way without inflammatory bowel disease, they have about the same lifespan.

If you have a narrowing in your small intestine due to Crohn's disease, a strict diet is very important because certain foods that are high in roughage or fiber can cause an obstruction in the intestine. The disease can be caused by changes in diet, which can lead to signs and symptoms such as pain in the belly, vomiting, and loud noises coming from the bowels. Damage to the small intestine can also make it difficult for the body to absorb dairy properly. Products like this are made.

The main risk factor for cancer is believed to be colorectal or cancer of the large bowel. And that's because chronic inflammation in the colon causes it. That's why it's important to stay in close contact with your treatment team. And that's why we recommend routine colonoscopies. Looking for changes that might be associated with cancer, we will pass the scope up into the colon.

Parents of children with inflammatory bowel disease often have concerns about their risk of the disease. The risk is slightly higher for Crohn's disease than ulcerative colitis. However, you are still far more likely to be the only member of your family to develop the condition. If a person has this condition, their family has a high chance of having the condition as well.

Yes, this science has been developed to help with an infection - specifically clostridium difficile (C diff). Stool transplants now are much more successful than they were in the past, due to advances in this area of science. It has been developed over a period of about 15 years, and it is especially effective when used to treat C diff. C diff is a very common infection that can be treated with antibiotics. There are many trials going on to treat inflammatory bowel disease with C diff.

I think the most important thing you can do is just show up. We always consider this as a partnership between the patient and the provider. There are a lot of things to consider when we talk about medications for inflammatory bowel disease, like risk factors. It is important to have discussions that are complex and time-consuming. So it is helpful to be present during those conversations and to be well-informed yourself. There are many resources available to investigate the risks and benefits of a variety of different strategies. Being communicative and team-oriented is important. Meeting with your team regularly and showing up is also helpful.

Your doctor will likely diagnose your inflammatory bowel disease only after ruling out other possible causes of your symptoms. To help confirm a diagnosis, you will need a combination of tests and procedures:

Lab tests

Tests for anemia or infection.Your doctor may recommend blood tests to check for anemia (a condition in which there are not enough red blood cells) or to check for signs of infection (from bacteria or viruses).
Stool studies.Your doctor may need to collect a stool sample so that they can test for hidden blood or parasites.

Endoscopic procedures

Colonoscopy. This exam allows your doctor to view your entire gut using a thin, flexible lighted tube with a camera at the end. During the procedure, your doctor can also take small samples of tissue (biopsy) for laboratory analysis. A biopsy is the way to determine if you have IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) or another type of illness. Inflammation is a problem that causes pain and swelling.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy.A doctor uses a slender, flexible lighted tube to examine your rectum and the last portion of your colon. If your colon is inflamed, your doctor may instead perform a test that uses a narrower, less flexible lighted tube.
Upper endoscopy. Your doctor will use a slender, flexible lighted tube to examine your esophagus, stomach, and the first part of your small intestine (duodenum). This test is rarely necessary if you are having problems with nausea and vomiting, but it may be recommended in cases where you are unsure. Eating may cause upper abdominal pain.
Capsule endoscopy. This test helps diagnose Crohn's disease, which affects the small intestine. You swallow a capsule that has a camera in it. The images are transmitted to a recorder you wear on your belt, after which the capsule exits your body painlessly in your stool. You may still need other tests to confirm the diagnosis. A diagnosis of Crohn's disease can be confirmed with a capsule endoscopy if there is no bowel obstruction.
Balloon-assisted enteroscopy.For this test, a scope is used to see inside the small intestine. This is helpful when a capsule endoscopy reveals abnormalities but the diagnosis is still uncertain.

Imaging procedures

X-ray.If you have severe symptoms your doctor may do a standard X-ray of your abdominal area to rule out serious complications such as a perforated colon.
Computerized tomography (CT) scan. You may have a CT scan. This test provides more detail than a standard X-ray and can also be used to look at the entire bowel as well as surrounding tissues. A CT enterography is a special CT scan that provides better images of the small intestine. This test has replaced an earlier method that focused on just the small intestine. X-rays using barium are often used in medical centers.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).An MRI scanner uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues. MRI is particularly helpful for evaluating a fistula around the anal area (pelvic MRI) or the small intestine (MR enterography). There is no exposure to radiation with MRI.

Treatment Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

The goal of treating inflammatory bowel disease is to reduce the inflammation that causes your symptoms. In some cases this may lead to symptom relief and long-term remission, meaning the disease does not come back. Treatment usually involves either drug therapy or surgery.Surgery is a medical procedure that is used to fix problems inside the body.

Anti-inflammatory drugs

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can often be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs. These medications include corticosteroids and aminosalicylates, such as mesalamine (Asacol HD Delzicol others), balsalazide (Colazal) and olsalazine (Dipentum). The type of medication you take will depend on the specific condition. What is the area of your colon that's affected?

Immune system suppressors

These drugs work in a variety of ways to suppress the immune response that might cause inflammation. When released, these chemicals can damage the lining of the digestive tract.

Immunosuppressive drugs can include azathioprine (Azasan Imuran), mercaptopurine (Purinethol Purixan), and methotrexate (Trexall).

Biologics

Biologics are newer types of therapy that aim to neutralize proteins in the body that are causing inflammation. Some are given intravenously (through a vein), while others can be self-administered injections. Examples include infliximab (Remicade) and adalimumab (Humira). These drugs are golimumab (Simponi), certolizumab (Cimzia), vedolizumab (Entyvio), and ustekinumab (Stelara).

Antibiotics

Sometimes antibiotics are used in addition to other medications or when the infection is a concern, such as with perianal Crohn's disease. Common antibiotics include ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and metronidazole (Flagyl).

Other medications and supplements

Some medications can help reduce inflammation and relieve your signs and symptoms. However, always talk to your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications. In some cases, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following:

Anti-diarrheal medications.A fiber supplement, such as psyllium powder (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel), can help to relieve mild to moderate diarrhea by adding bulk to your stool. For more-severe diarrhea, loperamide (Imodium A-D) may be effective.
Pain relievers.If you have mild pain, your doctor may prescribe acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). However, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve), and diclofenac sodium are likely to make your symptoms worse and can also worsen your disease.
Vitamins and supplements.If you're not absorbing enough nutrients your doctor may recommend vitamins and supplements to help you get the nutrients you need.

Nutritional support

If you are having a hard time losing weight, your doctor may suggest a special diet that you receive through a feeding tube (enteral nutrition) or by injecting nutrients directly into your veins (parenteral nutrition). This can improve your overall nutrition and allow your bowel to rest. Reduced inflammation in the bowel can reduce the severity of your IBD. This means for a short period of time.

If you have a narrowing or obstruction in your bowel, your doctor may recommend a low-residue diet. This will help to prevent undigested food from getting stuck and causing a blockage.

Surgery

General Surgery

Colon and Rectal Surgery

If diet and lifestyle changes don't relieve your IBD symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgery.

Surgery for ulcerative colitis.Surgery involves the removal of all of the organs in the colon and rectum, which creates an internal pouch that allows bowel movements without using a bag.
Sometimes a pouch isn't possible, so surgeons create a permanent opening in your abdomen (i.e. an ileal stoma) through which stool is passed for collection in an attached bag.
Surgery for Crohn's disease.A majority of people with Crohn's disease will require at least one surgery in their lifetime. However surgery does not cure the disease.
Surgery is used to remove a damaged part of your digestive system and then reconnect the healthy parts. Surgery may also be used to close fistulas and drain abscesses.
The benefits of surgery for Crohn's disease usually last for a short time. The disease often comes back near the reconnected tissue. The best approach is to follow surgery with medication to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Bowel transplant

Lifestyle and home remedies

If you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), you may feel helpless. However, by making changes to your diet and lifestyle, you may be able to control your symptoms and have fewer flare-ups.

Diet

There is no concrete evidence that what you eat causes inflammatory bowel disease. However, certain foods and drinks can make your symptoms worse during a flare-up.

It is helpful to keep track of what you eat and how you feel by keeping a food diary. If you notice that certain foods are causing your symptoms to worsen, you may be able to eliminate them from your diet.

Here are some tips that may help you manage your condition:

Limit dairy products. Many people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) find that problems such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and gas improve by limiting or eliminating dairy products. You may be lactose intolerant—that is, your body can't digest the milk sugar (lactose) in dairy foods. If you have IBD and are unable to digest lactose, you may want to try using an enzyme product such as Lactaid. If lactaid does not work, there are other options available.
Eat small meals.Eating smaller meals rather than two or three larger ones may make you feel better.
Drink plenty of liquids.Drink plenty of water each day. Water is best. Avoid alcoholic and caffeine-containing drinks, as they can aggravate your digestive system and lead to diarrhea.
Consider multivitamins.Multivitamins and minerals can help with Crohn's disease since this condition can interfere with your ability to absorb nutrients. It is important to speak with your doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements, as some may not be safe for you.
Talk to a dietitian.If you are losing weight or your diet has changed, talk to a registered dietitian.

Smoking

Smoking can increase your risk of developing Crohn's disease, which can lead to relapses and need medication and surgery. Smoking also makes Crohn's disease worse in those who already have it.

Smoking may help prevent ulcerative colitis, but it is harmful to your overall health and quitting smoking can improve your digestive tract as well as provide many other health benefits.

Stress

Many people with Crohn's disease say that their symptoms flare up during times of high stress. If you find it difficult to handle stress, try one of these strategies:

Exercise.Exercise can help reduce stress, improve mood, and improve bowel function. Talk to your doctor about a plan that's right for you.
Biofeedback.This technique can help you reduce muscle tension and slow your heart rate by using a machine that gives you feedback. The goal is to help you become more relaxed so that you are better able to cope with stress.
Breathing exercises and regular relaxation help improve your mood.Sometimes it is helpful to relax and clear one's mind by using techniques such as deep, slow breathing. You may be able to find classes in yoga or meditation, or you can use books, CDs, or DVDs at home to help you relax.

Alternative medicine

Many people with digestive disorders have used complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). However, there are few well-designed studies of the safety and effectiveness of CAM.

Some researchers think that adding beneficial bacteria to the digestive tract might help to treat IBD. Although much of this research is still in its early stages, there is some evidence that adding probiotics along with other medications may be helpful. However, this has not been proven yet.

Coping and support

IBD has both physical and emotional effects. If symptoms are severe, your life may revolve around needing to go to the bathroom frequently. Even if symptoms are mild, it can be difficult to be out in public. All of these factors can change your life. Depression can occur from consuming too much caffeine. Here are some tips to avoid it: -Avoid drinking large amounts of caffeine every day. -Only drink moderate amounts of caffeine, such as from coffee, tea, or chocolate. -If you do drink caffeine, try to stick to drinks with less than 200 milligrams per cup.

Be informed.One way to have more control over inflammation in the bowel is to learn as much as possible about Crohn's and Colitis. Look for information from reliable sources, such as the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation.
Join a support group.Group support isn't for everyone, but it can provide valuable information about your condition as well as emotional support. Group members are often up-to-date on the latest medical treatments or integrative therapies. You may also find it comforting to be among others with IBD.
Talk to a therapist.Some people find it helpful to consult a mental health professional who is knowledgeable about inflammatory bowel disease and the emotional challenges it can cause.

Since living with IBD can be difficult, research is ongoing and the outlook is improving.

Preparing for your appointment

If you are experiencing symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, you may be initially seen by your primary doctor. However, if the symptoms persist or worsen, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in treating digestive disorders (gastroenterologist).

When you make an appointment with your doctor, it's a good idea to be well-prepared. Here are some tips to help you and what to expect from your doctor.

What you can do

Be aware of any prior appointment restrictions.Make sure to ask if there are any requirements in advance, such as eating a restricted diet.
Write down any symptoms you're experiencing so that you can see if they continue or change.Make sure to bring any materials that seem related to the reason for your appointment, such as notes or pictures.
Write down key personal information,This is a good time to do this project, as there are no major stresses or recent life changes occuring.
Make a list of all medications,Make sure to tell your doctor about all of the medications and supplements you're taking.
Take a family member or friend along.A friend or family member can help you remember what happened during your appointment. Sometimes it is hard to remember everything, but someone can help you if you forget something.
Write down questions to ask your doctor.

You will have a limited amount of time with your doctor, so it is important to prepare some questions in advance. Make your most important questions first, and then move on to less important questions. If time runs out, you can always ask the doctor later. Some basic questions to ask your doctor about inflammatory bowel disease may include:

What's causing these symptoms?
Can the symptoms I am experiencing be caused by another issue?
What kind of tests do I need? Do the tests require any special preparation?
How long will this condition last?
What treatments are available and which would you recommend?
What medications should I avoid?
What are the potential side effects of treatment?
What kind of follow-up care do I need? How often do I need a colonoscopy?
What are some other ways to approach this problem?
I have other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
What dietary restrictions do I need to follow?
Can I get a generic version of the medicine you're prescribing?
Can I take any printed material with me? What websites do you recommend?
Can I get pregnant if I have sex?
Will IBD complications during pregnancy harm my partner's pregnancy?
What are the risks to my child if I develop Crohn's Disease?
Do you know of any support groups for people with IBD and their families?

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor may ask you a number of questions. Being prepared to answer them may save time to go over points you want to spend more time discussing. Your doctor may ask:

When did you first begin to experience symptoms?
Are your symptoms ongoing or sporadic?
How severe are your symptoms?
Do you have abdominal pain?
Have you had diarrhea? How often?
Do you have diarrhea during the night?
Is anyone else in your home feeling sick with diarrhea?
Have you lost weight unintentionally?
Do you have any liver problems, such as hepatitis or jaundice?
Have you had problems with your joints, eyes, or skin in general? For example, have you had rashes or sores on your body?
Do you have a family history of conditions that might cause inflammation in the bowels?
Do your symptoms interfere with your ability to work or perform other activities?
Can anything make your symptoms better?
What are some things that might make your symptoms worse?
Do you smoke?
Do you take pain relievers, like ibuprofen (Advil Motrin IB others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve) or diclofenac sodium (Voltaren)?
Have you taken antibiotics recently?
Have you recently traveled somewhere? If so, where?

General summary

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic illness affecting 1.5 million people in the United States of which ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are the most common forms While there is no cure for IBD several treatments exist to help manage symptoms through life-long therapy Diet modification is an important part of treatment for many patients with IBD and staying well-hydrated can aid in symptom management Patients should speak with their doctor about what diet modifications may be right for them as not all will require changes in their eating habits.