Both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are often accompanied by diarrhea, rectal bleeding, stomach discomfort, exhaustion, and weight loss.
IBD is just a minor disease for some people, but for others, it may be a disease that can lead to life-threatening consequences.
IBD symptoms
IBD symptoms might come and go. They might be moderate or severe, and they can arise abruptly or gradually.
IBD symptoms include:
- Abdominal (belly) discomfort is one of the symptoms of IBD.
- Diarrhea (sometimes alternating with constipation) or an urgent need to urinate (bowel urgency).
- Bloating and gas.
- Appetite loss or unexplained weight loss.
- Blood or mucus in the feces.
- Stomach pain.
- Fatigue.
- Fever.
- Itching, inflamed, and painful eyes.
- Joint discomfort.
- Vomiting and nausea.
- Rashes and sores on the skin (ulcers).
- Vision issues.
IBD Causes
Although the precise origin of IBD is uncertain, a compromised immune system is the cause of IBD. Some causes include:
Inappropriate immune system response to environmental factors, such as a virus or bacterium, results in gastrointestinal tract inflammation.
There seems to be a genetic component as well. This incorrect immune response is more likely to manifest in people with a family history of IBD.
Treatment
There are several IBD therapies available.
Anti-inflammatory meds: The initial step in IBD treatment is an anti-inflammatory medication. These medications aid in the reduction of digestive system inflammation. They do, however, have several negative effects.
Corticosteroids: If a class of gentler anti-inflammatories is ineffective, a doctor may give fast-acting anti-inflammatory drugs called corticosteroids. To treat flares, people should only use these medications briefly. NSAID usage over an extended period may exacerbate IBD symptoms.
Immune suppressors: These stop the immune system from attacking the intestinal cells, reducing inflammation. However, they may take up to 3 months to start working and have a variety of undesirable side effects, such as a higher risk of infection.
Biologic therapies: These are antibodies that target specific molecules in the body that lead to inflammation.
Surgery
Surgery may occasionally be required for IBD patients.
The following are some IBD surgeries:
- Strictureplasty to enlarge a restricted gut.
- Closure or removal of fistulas.
- Removal of the damaged sections of the intestines in persons with Crohn's disease.
- Removal of the whole colon and rectum in severe instances of UC).
Due to the increased risk of colorectal cancer in IBD patients, your doctor will likely advise doing a regular colonoscopy to check for the disease.