Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Indianapolis, IN
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Find a ProviderWhat is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?
IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) is a comprehensive label to describe irritation in your gastrointestinal tract. IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) is generally grouped into two corresponding but distinct diseases:
- Crohn’s disease: Crohn's disease causes uncomfortable swelling of your GI tract, namely your colon. It is usually at the base of the small bowel, the start of the colon, and might affect any area of the gastrointestinal tract ranging from the mouth to the anus.
- Ulcerative colitis: Ulcerative colitis also occurs through inflammation of the colon but is typically accompanied by ulcers. It is restricted to the colon.
The gastroenterologists at Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology often diagnose and deal with inflammatory bowel disease. If you believe you could be suffering from this condition and require treatment for IBD in Indianapolis, IN, please get in touch with our team to connect with a GI expert.
What causes inflammatory bowel disease?
The cause of IBD is commonly classified as an immune system malfunction. Just as when your body appropriately triggers your immune system to fight bacteria or a virus, an abnormal immune system response can attack the cells in the digestive tract. As a result, sections of the small intestine and colon become swollen. IBD does carry a hereditary element and can be handed down from parent to child. Risk factors of IBD include:
- Tobacco use
- Race or ethnicity: IBD is most frequent among Caucasians and people of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry but can impact anyone.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pills (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen
- Family history: Inflammatory bowel disease is linked to being passed down in the genes.
- Age: The majority of patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease are below the age of 30.
- Geography: Living in an industrialized area and/or northern climates may heighten the likelihood of developing IBD.
What are the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease?
Indications of IBD will differ depending on the disease and its intensity. The standard symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease include:
- Rash
- Abrupt loss of weight
- Abdominal discomfort
- Fever
- Immediate need to defecate
- Distress or drainage near or around the anus
- Chronic tiredness
- Unintentional weight changes
- Mouth sores
- Change with the typical menstrual cycle
- Loose stools
- Constipation
- Joint ache or inflexibility
- Rectal soreness
- Stomach pain
- Blood in your stool
We encourage you to get in touch with an Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology GI doctor should you encounter any persistent change in bowel routines, or experience any combination of the above symptoms. Contact our GI facility in Indianapolis, IN today to set up an appointment.
How is IBD identified?
IBD may be found through a variety of techniques, chosen by your physician according to your symptoms. An endoscopy or a colonoscopy is frequently used to diagnose inflammatory bowel disease. In some instances, additional imaging assessments will be completed, such as CT, MRI, or X-ray.
How is IBD treated?
The leading goal of treatment is to alleviate the inflammation in your digestive tract in order to eliminate or reduce symptoms. Treatment might, over time, enable long-term remission of IBD. IBD treatment options involve:
-
Antibiotics
- Vitamin D and calcium supplements
- Anti-diarrheal medications
- Enteral nutrition (liquid supplements)
- Anti-inflammatory drugs targeted at an overactive immune system
- Iron supplements
- Surgery
Inflammatory Bowel Disease FAQs
Is IBD genetic?
In some instances, hereditary factors can affect the chance of having IBD. However, a patient may be genetically prone to developing inflammatory bowel disease yet not ever get the condition. The hereditary chance of disease occurrence is higher with Crohn’s disease compared to ulcerative colitis.
Does inflammatory bowel disease elevate the chance of developing cancer?
Getting inflammatory bowel disease does not indicate that an individual will develop cancer. But having the condition could increase the chance of developing colon cancer. Managing the disease appropriately and controlling inflammation may help lessen the cancer risk. Speak with your Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology gastrointestinal doctor to find out more about the chance of developing cancer with inflammatory bowel disease.
Can diet and nutrition have an effect on IBD?
Specific diet modifications could help to lessen some of the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease. This may entail avoiding foods that elicit diarrhea, gas, bloating, and abdominal pain, among other unpleasant symptoms. Your gastrointestinal team can help you identify a dietary plan that is right for your health needs.
Can inflammatory bowel disease be cured?
There is no identified cure for inflammatory bowel disease at this time. But there might be instances when the disease is not active and is in remission. Inflammatory bowel disease and its symptoms may be treated and managed via medications, changes to the diet, and supplements.
Living with IBD? Get relief.
Inflammatory bowel disease is not a mortal condition. However, if left uncontrolled and untreated, over time, an individual with IBD might develop complications that could be deadly. Moreover, leaving inflammatory bowel disease uncared for can lead to a greater chance of developing colon cancer. As a physician-led group of gastrointestinal doctors, Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology carries out options for care to help regulate the symptoms and boost the lives of those living with inflammatory bowel disease. To get help for IBD in Indianapolis, IN, please reach out to our GI practice today.
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