Inflammatory bowel disease is an umbrella term for certain problems that occur in the digestive system. Learn about which diseases lead up to IBD, what are the signs that one should look out for, and how it is treated.
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD in short, is a problem that occurs in the gastrointestinal tract, causing the intestines to inflame. Treatment given to patients with this problem are likely to counter the effects of IBD from getting out of hand. We find out here, what kind of problems occur in the digestive tract, causing one to experience this disease.
Causes
IBD can come about due to factors like unhealthy lifestyles, and improper ingesting of foods that aren’t good for the system, ultimately hampering its functionality. Here you’ll find the four main diseases that come about in the gastrointestinal tract, and where exactly each one takes place.
Microscopic Colitis
There are two kinds of microscopic colitis, ‘collagenous colitis’, and ‘lymphocytic colitis’. These two problems aren’t as damaging as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. The former problem, collagenous, takes place when protein builds up in the colon lining, causing it to inflame. The latter disease, that is lymphocytic, takes place in cells present between the lining of the colon, where white blood cells rapidly multiply within this space.
Pouchitis
In order to treat ulcerative colitis, a small part of the colon is removed, where the internal pouch that is placed within patients, experiences an inflammation. In order for waste to collect within the body not using an outside source to do this, doctors place two pouches inside patients called the ‘Koch pouch’ and the ‘ileo-anal pouch’ or ‘J pouch’ (ileal pouch-anal anastomosis). With these self-created pouches using the patient’s intestine (small), waste is able to collect in it, as opposed to an external way of doing this. The lining of these two particular pouches can experience an inflammation.
Crohn’s Disease
The inflammation of the digestive tract is what leads to this form of IBD. It can occur in any part of the body related to the digestive system. It can appear in one’s anal area or large intestine, and even in the oral cavity for that matter.
Ulcerative Colitis
An inflammation that takes place in the large intestine, leads up to what is called ulcerative colitis. The end of the colon which exits into the rectum is involved in this disease, and if restricted only to the rectum, is called ‘ulcerative proctitis’.
Symptoms
The symptoms of the four diseases mentioned above showcase different signs that the body signals out to the person experiencing bowel problems. It is important to spot these immediately and seek medical attention without losing any time.
- Diarrhea is bloody. Sometimes diarrhea can be extremely watery without the evidence of blood.
- Anemia
- Cramping and pain in the abdomen region.
- Perianal disease and fistulae problems take place.
- Bowel movements are frequent.
- Feverish
- Colonic strictures inflame.
- Loss in weight
- Bowel region ruptures
- Appetite is considerably low.
- Ulcers present in the digestive tract start to bleed
Treatment
If caught on time, IBD can be detected and treated effectively. There are certain medications that intervene during the inflammation process, therefore they aid in reducing the effects of the disease.
Anti TNF Agents
- Infliximab
Immune Modifier
- Azathioprine
- 6-mercaptopurine
Antibiotics
- Thalidomide
- Ciprofloxacin
- Heparin
- Metronidazole
- Cyclosporine A
- Antidiarrheal agents
- Acid suppressants
Corticosteroids
- Dexamethasone
- Prednisone
- Methylprednisolone
- Budesonide
IBD Diet and Health Care Tips
If the health tips are acted upon, you can help yourself during this time, where the body needs you to take care of it, and not further abuse it. Here’s how you can help yourself, by changing certain lifestyle habits.
- Keep yourself hydrated at all times, by drinking 8 or more glasses of water in a day. Learn how to balance your meals, and what to eat and not eat during this time.
- Eat foods high in fiber like fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grain breads, and so on.
- Avoid aerated drinks and stay clear from gaseous foods like lentils, onions, or broccoli.
- Stop smoking while you go through an IBD, or your condition will only get out of hand.
- Exercise on a daily basis, and maintain your bodily movements during this time.
- Incorporate protein diet foods, like fish and meats.
- Include multivitamins in your diet, and fish oil capsules as well.
- Eat small meals at different times of the day, to regulate the functions of your bowel system continuously.
Inflammatory bowel disease is not something one would want to experience in their life. It is better to make sure that what you put in your mouth is healthy and nutritious, and not go on a junk binge that will only come back to destroy the system.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.
