Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Thibodaux, LA
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Find a ProviderWhat is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?
IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) is a general label to describe irritation in your GI tract. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is typically classified into two similar but unique diseases:
- Crohn’s disease: Crohn's disease results in uncomfortable swelling of the GI tract, specifically the colon. It is usually seen at the end of the small bowel (the start of the colon) and might affect any portion of the gastrointestinal tract ranging from the mouth to the anus.
- Ulcerative colitis: Ulcerative colitis also presents itself through inflammation of the colon but is generally accompanied by ulcerations in the tissue. This condition is restricted to the large bowel.
The GI specialists at Digestive Health Center frequently diagnose and address IBD. If you believe you might be experiencing this concern and are in need of care for inflammatory bowel disease in Thibodaux, LA, please contact our team to partner with a gastrointestinal physician near you.
What causes inflammatory bowel disease?
The reason for inflammatory bowel disease is often categorized as an immune system malfunction. Just like when your body appropriately activates your immune system to attack a virus or bacteria, an abnormal immune system trigger can fight the cells in the GI system. As a result, portions of the small bowel and colon become swollen. Inflammatory bowel disease does carry a hereditary component and can be passed down from parent to child. Risk factors for IBD include:
- Family history: Inflammatory bowel disease is associated with being passed down in the genes.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pills (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen
- Age: Most people diagnosed with IBD are below the age of 30.
- Tobacco use
- Geography: Residing in an industrialized country and/or northern areas may increase the risk of developing IBD.
- Race or ethnicity: IBD is most frequent in Caucasians and people of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry but can affect anyone.
What are the signs of IBD?
Signs of IBD will vary according to the disease and its seriousness. The common signs of inflammatory bowel disease usually include:
- Joint ache or stiffness
- Pressing need to defecate
- Distress or drainage near or around the anus
- Rash
- Mouth sores
- Change in the menstrual cycle
- Blood in the stool
- Loose stools
- Constipation
- Chronic exhaustion
- Abdominal distress
- Sudden change in weight
- Fever
- Unexpected weight loss
- Stomach discomfort
- Rectal discomfort
Please reach out to a Digestive Health Center GI doctor if you have any persistent shift in bowel routines, or have any combination of the above signs or symptoms. Call your nearest Digestive Health Center in Thibodaux, LA today to request a consultation.
How is IBD detected and treated?
Inflammatory bowel disease can be found through a variety of techniques, decided upon by your physician according to your symptoms. A colonoscopy or an endoscopy is often used to detect inflammatory bowel disease. Sometimes, other imaging procedures will be carried out, such as CT, X-ray, or MRI.
What are the treatments for IBD?
The primary treatment objective is to minimize the inflammation in your GI system in order to relieve or reduce symptoms. Treatment could, over time, enable long-term remission of IBD. Treatments for IBD include:
- Anti-diarrheal medications
- Iron supplements
- Surgery
- Antibiotics
- Enteral nutrition (liquid supplements)
- Vitamin D and calcium supplements
- Anti-inflammatory drugs targeted at an overactive immune system
Inflammatory Bowel Disease FAQs
Is inflammatory bowel disease an inherited condition?
For some people, genetic factors can influence the chance of developing inflammatory bowel disease. However, a patient may be genetically predisposed to having IBD but not ever experience the disease. The hereditary risk of disease occurrence is higher with Crohn’s disease compared to that of ulcerative colitis.
Can having inflammatory bowel disease raise the risk of developing cancer?
Getting IBD does not mean someone will have cancer. However, having the disease could heighten the likelihood of getting colorectal cancer. Managing the condition correctly and controlling inflammation may help lessen the cancer risk. Speak with your Digestive Health Center gastroenterologist to discover more about the chance of cancer with IBD.
Does a person's diet impact inflammatory bowel disease?
Implementing specific dietary changes can help minimize some of the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease. This might include avoiding foods that cause abdominal discomfort, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and additional unpleasant symptoms. Your GI team can help you determine an ideal dietary plan for your health.
Will IBD ever go away?
There is no identified cure for IBD. However, there might be instances when the condition is not in an active state and falls into remission. Inflammatory bowel disease and its effects may be addressed and controlled through medications, supplements, and dietary modifications.
Living with IBD?
IBD is not a fatal disease. However, when left out of control and untreated, an individual with IBD could develop issues that might be fatal in time. Furthermore, leaving inflammatory bowel disease untreated can lead to a higher chance of colon cancer. As a highly experienced network of gastroenterologists, Digestive Health Center offers treatment options to help manage the signs and elevate the lives of those living with IBD. To receive help for IBD in Thibodaux, LA, please request a consultation at your nearest location today.
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