Inflammatory Bowel Disease(IBD; Regional Enteritis; Ileitis; Granulomatous Ileocolitis; Ulcerative Colitis)
by
Diana Kohnle DefinitionInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is swelling and irritation of the intestines. Two forms of IBD are: IBD is a lifelong illness. Causes TOPThe exact cause of IBD is not known. Some believe IBD may be the result of:
Risk Factors TOPIBD is more common in people who are Caucasian or of northern European or Jewish ancestry. The following factors increase your chance of developing IBD:
Symptoms TOPSymptoms may be constant or occur during flare-ups. Symptoms depend on the type of IBD, but common symptoms may include:
Diagnosis TOPYou will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Images of your bodily structures may be needed. This can be done with: Your bodily fluids and waste products may be tested. This can be done with:
Treatment TOPThere is no cure for IBD but treatments can help control symptoms. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include: Lifestyle ChangesIBD symptoms may be reduced with simple dietary changes. Dietary changes may include switching to a diet that is:
Overall wellness may also play a role in reducing IBD flare-ups. Find ways to reduce stress. Get plenty of rest. MedicationsMost medications for IBD focus on reducing the swelling and irritation. Medications include:
Surgery TOPSurgery is not helpful for all types of IBD. For people with severe ulcerative colitis, a surgery to remove the colon may be done. Prevention TOPThere are no current guidelines to prevent IBD because the cause is unknown. RESOURCES:Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians https://www.familydoctor.org National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases https://www.niddk.nih.gov CANADIAN RESOURCES:Health Canada https://www.canada.ca The College of Family Physicians of Canada http://www.cfpc.ca References:Botoman VA, Bonner GF, Botoman DA. Management of inflammatory bowel disease. Am Fam Physician. 1998;57(1):57-68.
Crohn disease in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed...
. Updated September 12, 2017. Accessed October 3, 2017.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:https://www.cdc.gov/ibd/. Updated March 14, 2017. Accessed October 3, 2017.
Ulcerative colitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114507/Ulcerative-colitis
. Updated July 28, 2017. Accessed October 3, 2017.
Last reviewed September 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Daus Mahnke, MD Last Updated: 10/1/2014 |
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