Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Overview

Inflammatory Bowel Disease or IBD groups together disorders concerning chronic inflammation of the digestive and GI tract's tissues. Depending on the type of IBD one is diagnosed with, one can experience common symptoms like diarrhoea, stomach tenderness and cramping, fatigue, unaccounted-for weight loss, and even bloody stools. IBD includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. While treatment can be prescribed to individuals suffering from IBD, its chronic nature usually triggers a comeback now and then.

What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?

Inflammatory bowel disease is an umbrella term used for diseases that trigger a nagging inflammation of the GI (gastrointestinal) and digestive tract. Individuals affected by IBD experience mental and emotional distress alongside physical discomfort, owing to how the symptoms often flare up without prior notice. This causes stomach pains and uncontrollable urges to use the washroom even when one is out and about.

The anxieties attached to such uncomfortable situations can cause the individual to take a back seat when it comes to socialising plans. IBD is a chronic disease, with no foolproof cure. However, there are medications available that control symptoms and help manage them in the long run.

Types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease has two main types that trigger diarrhoea and sudden bouts of stomach pain. However, note that IBD and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) are two different conditions, which share some common symptoms and are often mistaken to be the same. But one is not a subtype of another.

Here are the 2 types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease:

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn's disease is a chronic condition where some of the digestive system parts become inflamed. It can affect an individual at any age, with symptoms showing up as early as childhood. Symptoms of Crohn's disease include diarrhoea, stomach pain, bloody stools, weight loss for non-trackable reasons, fatigue, etc.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is another chronic condition where the rectum (end of the large intestine; faeces are stored here) and the colon (large intestine) become inflamed. Ulcers form along the lining of the colon. They often produce pus or bleed. Increased urges to poop, recurring stomach aches and diarrhoea are symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Stools containing mucus, blood or pus are also recognisable symptoms of the condition.

Symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease may differ depending upon the severity of the condition in the diagnosed individual. Plus, it also depends on the type of IBD they are diagnosed with. The symptoms may flare up at one point and be in remission at other times. Some commonly experienced IBD symptoms include intense abdominal pain, tenderness and cramping, chronic diarrhoea, bloody stools, tiredness, reduced appetite and unintentional weight loss.

Causes of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

No sole cause for IBD has been recorded. However, inflammatory bowel disease occurs when one's bowel or digestive tract cells get attacked by the immunity system, causing the areas to get inflamed. This unexpected immune response takes place when the immune system tries to eliminate an uninvited virus from the body.

Other than that, stress and diet have also been connected to IBD. Recent studies, however, show that they might trigger sudden flare-ups but not cause IBD altogether.

One is more likely to have IBD if anyone in their family tree has it. For example, parents, grandparents or siblings with IBD may be signs of the concerned individual also being prone to developing the condition. Finally, gene mutations have been held accountable as causes of IBD.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Diagnosis and Tests

To diagnose individuals with inflammatory bowel disease, several tests are conducted. Such tests include testing for anaemia or viral/bacterial infections. A sample of the affected individual's stools is examined to detect the existence of blood, parasites or other organisms. A colonoscopy allows for the examination of the entire colon. During this, samples of tissues are collected for biopsy, necessary to diagnose IBD.

Other tests may include flexible sigmoidoscopy (examination of sigmoid and rectum), upper endoscopy (examination of stomach, oesophagus and duodenum), capsule endoscopy (used to diagnose Crohn's disease; includes swallowing of a pill with a camera for internal examination) and balloon-assisted enteroscopy (uses an overtube to zoom in on the small bowel). Some imaging procedures may also be conducted including an X-ray, CT scan and MRI.

Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The inflammatory bowel disease treatment regimen involves drug prescriptions and sometimes, surgeries. While there is no cure for IBD, the treatment shall help manage the symptoms allowing the affected person to live a normal, stress-free life. Anti-inflammatory drugs include mesalamine, balsalazide and olsalazine. Courses of corticosteroids are also prescribed to suffering individuals.

Some immune system repressor drugs like azathioprine, mercaptopurine and methotrexate may also induce remission. Other than that, biologics, antibiotics and other supplements are prescribed as and when deemed fit. If drug therapy and tweaking general lifestyle choices do not help manage the symptoms of IBD, surgery for Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis may be recommended.

Preventive Measures for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Preventative measures for inflammatory bowel disease include tweaks in one’s daily diet, as an improper diet can aggravate the symptoms. So, avoid indulging in processed food and additives. Rather, switch to a diet that mainly consists of fruits and vegetables.

Other than dietary changes, fixing one's sleep schedule shall also help. Another way to prevent the flare-up of IBD symptoms is to manage stress levels. Lastly, avoid smoke as much as possible and restrict your usage of antibiotics.

Myths and Facts Related to Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Here are some myths associated with inflammatory bowel disease and the facts to prove them wrong:

Myth 1: If I Have IBD, My Children Will Get It Too
Fact: With one or both of the parents having inflammatory bowel disease, there is an increased risk of the child getting it too. However, it’s not set in stone that the disease will be inherited. It should not stop one from trying to get pregnant. Consult a healthcare professional for the appropriate course of action in such a situation.

Myth 2: Too Much Stress Can Cause Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Fact: Any level of stress cannot be the sole cause of IBD. However, stress can lead to the flaring up of IBD symptoms. So, it is necessary to manage one’s stress levels either way.

Myth 3: I Must Stay On A Gluten-free Diet If I Have IBD
Fact: Some people may be intolerant towards gluten and hence, need to avoid it. However, it's not the case for everyone. One should not eliminate a certain category of foods as they also hold nutritional value. The ideal way to go about the situation is to consult a nutritionist and create a diet plan that is healthy and suits individual needs.