Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes a variety of GI conditions that cause chronic inflammation in the digestive tract. IBD affects an estimated 1.6 million Americans, from children to elderly adults – but most commonly people between the ages of 15 and 35.
Symptoms often arise suddenly, with severe stomach cramps and diarrhea as evidence of a flare. But keep in mind that IBD can cause more than digestive discomfort, potentially affecting emotional and mental health as well.
While there is no cure for inflammatory bowel disease, our Charleston gastroenterologists can help manage unpleasant symptoms. Read on to learn more about IBD, from triggers to treatment, then contact Charleston GI to schedule your appointment.
The exact cause of inflammatory bowel disease remains a mystery. Researchers once believed that diet and stress caused IBD, but have since discovered that these factors merely aggravate symptoms. The following factors may put patients at risk for developing IBD:
Environmental triggers
Certain environmental factors early in life may increase your risk of inflammatory bowel disease, such as:
Being raised with limited exposure to germs
Contracting a GI infection at a young age
Taking antibiotics before age one
Being primarily bottle-fed
Genetics
Several genetic markers have been linked to IBD, revealing that IBD may be more prevalent in people who have family members with the disease. However, most IBD sufferers have no family history.
Immune system dysfunction
When the immune system attempts to combat a harmful virus or bacterium, an atypical immune response causes it to attack the cells in the digestive tract as well.
Those with a blood relative – like a parent, child, or sibling – with IBD face a higher risk of developing it as well.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication Over-the-counter medicines, like ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and diclofenac sodium, and others, may increase your risk of getting IBD.
Race or ethnicity While IBD is becoming more prevalent in other races, it is more common in white people.
SYMPTOMS
Inflammatory bowel disease symptoms vary widely, based largely on the severity and location of the inflammation. IBD patients typically experience periods of active illness followed by periods of remission.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can lead to other health concerns, some of which could even be fatal.
Serious Digestive (GI) Complications
Colon cancer: IBD raises your risk of developing colon cancer.
Perforated bowel: A hole in the intestine, this causes severe belly pain, bloating, and tenderness.
Toxic megacolon: Extreme colon swelling may lead to bloody, loose stools, serious stomach pain, and tenderness.
Other Digestive System Issues
Anal fistula: This issue occurs when an abnormal tunnel forms between the intestine and the skin surrounding the anus.
Anal stenosis: Defined as the narrowing of the anal canal, this GI condition makes it difficult to pass stool.
Complications Beyond the Digestive System
IBD can also affect other parts of your body, increasing the risk of:
Blood & Circulatory Issues
Anemia: Low red blood cell count associated with fatigue and overall weakness
Blood clots: Heightened risk of clots (coagulated blood) forming in veins
Eye Problems
Eye pain and irritation: Can cause redness, discomfort, or vision concerns
Kidney & Liver Issues
Kidney stones: Hard, painful deposits that form in the kidneys
Liver diseases: Any disease that negatively impacts liver function, such as cirrhosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis
Nutritional Deficiencies
Malabsorption and malnutrition: Due to the body’s difficulty absorbing nutrients in food, often causing unintentional weight loss
Joint & Bone Problems
Swollen joints: Joint pain and stiffness
Osteoporosis: A condition defined by brittle, more easily breakable bones
Skin & Mouth Issues
Mouth sores: Uncomfortable mouth ulcers
Skin sores and rashes: Skin conditions related to inflammation
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
For most patients, medication and lifestyle changes often keep IBD symptoms in check. Your Charleston gastroenterologist can help identify triggers, preventing flares and decreasing your risk of developing other GI conditions. If you experience any of the following, seek immediate medical attention:
IBD treatment aims to reduce symptom-inducing inflammation and in the best cases, result in long-term remission. Treatment for irritable bowel disease typically involves medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery. You Charleston GI physician may recommend one of the following:
Anti-inflammatory medicine Anti-inflammatory medication is usually the first course of action in treating mild to moderate GI conditions.
Antibiotics, other medicines and supplements To further manage inflammation (and the symptoms it causes), antibiotics may be prescribed.
Biologics A modern kind of therapy, biologics neutralize proteins that cause inflammation.
Dietary and lifestyle changes Dietary restrictions and alterations to your daily routine may help avoid triggers and manage symptoms.
Immunomodulators These medications work to suppress the body’s immune response and the subsequent release of inflammation-causing chemicals.
Surgery If diet and lifestyle changes and medication prove insufficient in alleviating symptoms, your gastroenterologist may suggest surgery.
Small molecules This new medication has recently become available for IBD treatment, targeting the parts of the immune system that cause intestinal inflammation.
PREVENTION
While there’s no singular way to prevent inflammatory bowel disease, our GI physicians recommend taking these steps to decrease the risk of developing IBD:
Lifestyle Changes
Eat a Mediterranean-style diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Avoid processed foods.
Decrease your intake of sweets like candy, soda, and juice.
Limit alcohol consumption.
Incorporate more omega-3 fatty acids into your diet.
Maintain a healthy sleep schedule.
Reduce stress when possible.
Symptom Management
Carefully track symptoms during flare-ups.
Identify foods and drinks that trigger IBD symptoms.
Consult your doctor or a registered dietitian about your nutrition needs.
Practice stress-reducing activities like meditation and yoga.
Simply put, yes. IBD sufferers typically have a slightly shorter life expectancy – 6.6 to 8.1 years for women and 5.0 to 6.1 years for men.
Has life expectancy for people with IBD improved?
Medical advancements and improved treatment have resulted in an increased life expectancy for people with IBD. Between 1996 and 2011, the life expectancy increased 2.9 years for women and 3.2 years for men.
What about quality of life with IBD?
Despite the increase in life expectancy, health-adjusted life expectancy (HALE) – the measure of years lived in good health – may be 9.5 to 13.5 years lower for women and 2.6 to 6.7 years lower for men.
Can I live a long and healthy life with IBD?
Absolutely. Symptom management, early treatment, and a healthy lifestyle can help ensure a great quality of life.
What’s the difference between Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
While both GI conditions affect the gut, the difference is that IBD involves inflammation and IBS does not.
What should I expect from living with inflammatory bowel disease?
According to Cleveland Clinic, because IBD is a chronic condition, managing symptoms is a lifelong task. Regular visits to your gastroenterologist can not only help you feel your best, but decrease your risk of developing other conditions like colon cancer.
SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY, NO REFERRAL NEEDED
To learn more about IBD treatment, contact Charleston GI today! Our experienced gastroenterologists are committed to a higher standard of caring, starting the moment you arrive. Plus, there’s no referral needed!
