Inflammatory Bowel Disease – Explained in Simple Terms

In simple terms, Inflammatory Bowel Disease or IBD, as popularly known is inflammation of the colon and small intestine. Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis are the two conditions that are classified as IBD. In effect the IBD can be either of the two conditions. IBD condition is said to occur when the body’s own immune system begins to act against the elements of our digestive system.

Crohn’s Disease – here the inflammation (injury) is in the line of the digestive track. The inflammation here spreads deeper. The inflammation can be in either the large intestine (colon) or in the small intestine or in both the intestines.

Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease – The feces are often porridge like. The affected has persistent fever and may experience weight-loss almost certainly.

Ulcerative colitis – here the inflammation (injury) is in the inner lining of the colon and rectum. Often the inflammations result in sores or ulcers that may be long lasting.

Symptoms of Ulcerative colitis – The feces are often mucus-like and are accompanied with blood (bloody diarrhea). The patient may have fever and the chances of suffering a weight-loss is often high but not a certainty.

Why does IBD occur? What are the reasons causing them?

• Alterations in the normal bacteria of the intestine and disturbing the natural balance can be one of the reasons. This disturbance of balance could have occurred due to prolonged administering of antibiotic.
• A high animal protein intake is also said to be one of the cause. Because animal protein has greater amounts of sulphur containing amino acids, these bio-chemicals are said to be one of the reasons behind IBD

Investigation of IBD

Though there are many investigation procedures, colonoscopy and enteroscopy are the gold standards with biopsy confirmation.

Treatment of IBD

Prevention of disease attack is the best treatment by diet (vitamins) and life style modifications. Surgery is reserved only for complications arising out of the disease like perforation, obstruction, abscess formation, or in dire cases where it could be cancerous.