Inflammatory bowel disease refers to both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Both are conditions resulting from chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. Crohn’s disease usually impacts the lining of the small intestine, but can also affect any other part of the digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis is limited to the lining of the large intestine and the rectum. The inflammation can become severe enough to cause complications such as bowel strictures, fistulas, internal bleeding, etc. Symptoms of Inflammatory bowel disease can often become debilitating.
Common symptoms of Inflammatory bowel disease include:
- Diarrhea
- Cramping
- Abdominal pain
- Rectal bleeding
- Anemia
- Exhaustion
- Weight loss
- Fever
The following tests are used to diagnose inflammatory bowel disease and to evaluate for possible complications it may cause:
- Clinical evaluation
- Upper Endoscopy (EGD): A small, flexible tube with a camera is passed into the esophagus, stomach and the first part of the small intestine. Damage to the lining of these structures can be evaluated; A small sample of tissue (biopsy) is taken.
- Colonoscopy: A small, flexible tube with a camera is passed through the anus into the rectum and large intestine. Damage to the lining of these structures can be evaluated; and a small sample of tissue (biopsy) can be taken.
- Capsule endoscopy: used to assess the entire small intestine to determine the extent of the disease.
- Laboratory testing, including specific antibodies that help diagnose and to monitor disease activity.
- CT Scan: A computerized tomography (CT) scan combines a series of X-ray images taken from different angles around the body and uses computer processing to create cross-sectional images (slices) of the tissues of interest. These images are used to evaluate intrabdominal and intestinal health and to identify any abnormalities.
Treatment
While there is no cure, there are many treatment options that can reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms, and decrease complications caused by the disease. These include anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids, immune system modulators, antibiotics, probiotics, anti-diarrheal, and biological therapies.
