Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It is a group of inflammatory conditions that affect the digestive system and can be divided into two main types Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's disease. IBD is a lifelong condition that can cause a wide range of symptoms, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and even malnutrition.
Crohn's Disease: In this type of IBD, inflammation of the lining of gastrointestinal tract remains for so long and may reach through the multiple layers of the gastrointestinal walls. This inflammation can be in the whole gastrointestinal tract, but most often it affects the small intestine especially the last part of the small intestine.
Ulcertaive Colitis: When the inflammation persist in the Colon (large Intestine) without any infection then it leads to ulcer in the innermost layer of Colon. That ulcer further leads to Ulcerative Colitis. Ulcerative Colitis affects the Colon and the Rectum.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Causes
Exact cause of inflammatory bowel disease is still unknown. There are so many theories about it's causes but most often it is noted that malfunction of immune system and genetic inheritance may cause it.
A properly functioning immune system attacks viruses and bacteria to protect the body. In inflammatory bowel disease patients, the immune system responds incorrectly to environmental triggers that cause the inflammation in the tract.
In genetic inheritance patients who carries immune disturbance from their patient history, also caused inflammatory bowel disease.
In different studies it has also found that inflammatory bowel disease normally affects in 15 to 35 years of age group.
IBD Symptoms
IBD's symptoms are depending upon the severity of inflammation and where it occurs. If the inflammation is prolonged and chronic then the symptoms would be severe as well. Most common symptoms are as follows;
Meteorism (Tympanites)
Persistent diarrhoea
Constipation
Fever
Fatigue
Abdominal pain and cramping
Rectal bleeding / Blood in stool
Loss of appetite
Unintended weight loss
COMPLICATION OF UNTREATED IBD
There are multiple complications of untreated IBD. For instance;
Ulcers: Untreated and chronic inflammation leads the ulcer. Ulcer is a open sores in the innermost layer of the GI tract.
Fistulas: Fistula is an abnormal connection between two different body parts, such as an organ or blood vessel. Infection or inflammation can also cause a fistula to form.
Anal Fissure: It is a small tear in the tissue that lines the anus or in the skin around the anus where infections can occur. It occurs by passing the large and hard stools during the bowel movement.
Toxic Megacolon: This is condition when the colon rapidly widen and swell.
Perforated colon: Colon perforation is a hole in the wall of the colon due to the toxic megacolon.
Bowel obstruction: It is the mechanical or functional obstruction of the intestine by which gas can't pass through that further cause abdominal pain, vomiting. Due to the wall thickening of intestine whole bowel movement gets disturb.
Malnutrition and Severe dehydration: Disturbance in bowel movement. diarrhoea and abdominal pain may make it difficult to eat, so intestine not be able to absorb enough nutrients to keep the body nourished and healthy.
IBD DIAGNOSIS
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic disorders that cause inflammation or ulceration in the small and large intestines. Diagnosis of IBD is based on a combination of factors, including medical history, physical exam, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Although a blood test cannot confirm about IBD, but it can help to rule out conditions that cause similar symptoms. Blood tests can reveal several signs, for instance;
Patient is anaemic which could be a sign of internal bleeding.
Low levels of iron, folate, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 indicate a nutritional deficiency and may be a sign that the intestines are not absorbing these nutrients as they should.
There is no single definitive test to confirm the presence of IBD, so the condition is diagnosed based on a combination of tests, including endoscopy (for Crohn's disease), colonoscopy (for ulcerative colitis), biopsy, and imaging tests i.e. radiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) scan.
Treatment for IBD
Treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) will depend on the type and severity of the disease. Common treatments include lifestyle changes, medications, nutrition, and surgery. Lifestyle changes may include stress reduction techniques such as yoga, meditation, or cognitive behavioral therapy. Regular physical activity can also help reduce stress and improve overall health. Nutrition is an important part of managing IBD. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health. People with IBD may need to take dietary supplements, such as iron or vitamin B12, to make up for any nutrients they may be missing due to the disease. Surgery is sometimes used to treat IBD. It can be used to remove parts of the intestine that are affected by the disease or to repair. Homeopathic medicines have excellent results to treat Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis. Due to their unique and natural characteristics Homeopathic remedies treat disease with no side effects. If you are suffering from IBD whether it is chronic or acute then you can feel free to contact us.
