Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Louisiana
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Find a ProviderWhat is IBD (inflammatory bowel disease)?
IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) is a comprehensive label to describe inflammation in your gastrointestinal tract. IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) is typically classified into two similar but separate diseases:
- Crohn’s disease: Crohn's disease results in uncomfortable irritation of your digestive tract, specifically in your colon. It is normally at the base of the small bowel, the start of the colon, and could impact any area of the gastrointestinal tract ranging from the mouth to the anus.
- Ulcerative colitis: Ulcerative colitis also shows up through irritation of the colon but is generally accompanied by ulcers. This condition is restricted to the large bowel.
The gastrointestinal physicians at GastroGroup & Endocenter commonly diagnose and treat inflammatory bowel disease. If you think you could be struggling with this condition and are seeking treatment for inflammatory bowel disease in Louisiana, please get in touch with us to connect with a GI specialist.
What causes inflammatory bowel disease?
Inflammatory bowel disease is often characterized as an immune system issue. Just like when your body appropriately initiates your immune system to attack a virus or bacteria, an abnormal immune system response can fight the cells in the GI tract. As a result, parts of the small bowel and colon become inflamed. IBD does possess a genetic element and can be handed down from parent to child. Risk factors for IBD include:
- Race or ethnicity: Inflammatory bowel disease is most common in Caucasians and people of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, but can affect anyone.
- Age: Most people diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease are below the age of 30.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pills (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen
- Geography: Living in a well-developed country and/or northern regions may increase the chance of inflammatory bowel disease.
- Family history: Inflammatory bowel disease is associated with being passed down genetically.
- Tobacco use
What are the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease?
Indications of inflammatory bowel disease will vary according to the disease and its seriousness. The standard signs include:
- Loss of typical menstrual cycle
- Rash
- Mouth sores
- Unintentional weight changes
- Rectal discomfort
- Constipation
- Sudden weight loss
- Fever
- Urgency to defecate
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
- Chronic tiredness
- Abdominal cramps
- Discomfort or drainage in the area around the anus
- Blood in your stool
- Joint ache or stiffness
Please reach out to a GastroGroup & Endocenter GI specialist should you have any persistent shift in bowel habits, or have any combination of the above symptoms.
How is IBD identified?
IBD is often identified through different techniques chosen by your doctor according to your symptoms. A colonoscopy or an endoscopy is commonly utilized to detect IBD. Sometimes, other imaging assessments will be conducted, such as MRI, CT, or X-ray.
How is IBD treated?
The primary treatment objective is to minimize the inflammation in your GI tract to help eliminate or reduce symptoms. Treatment could eventually result in long-term remission of IBD. IBD treatment options include:
- Anti-diarrheal medications
- Calcium and vitamin D supplements
- Anti-inflammatory drugs targeted at an overactive immune system
- Antibiotics
- Enteral nutrition (liquid supplements)
- Iron supplements
- Surgery
Inflammatory Bowel Disease FAQs
Is IBD a hereditary condition?
For some people, genetics can play a role in the chance of having inflammatory bowel disease. However, you can be genetically inclined to develop inflammatory bowel disease but never develop the disorder. The genetic risk for disease development is higher with Crohn’s disease when compared with ulcerative colitis.
Does IBD increase the chance of cancer?
Being diagnosed with IBD does not automatically mean a patient will develop cancer. However, having the disorder could increase the chance for getting colon cancer. Managing the disease and inflammation appropriately can help minimize the risk of cancer. Talk with your GastroGroup and Endocenter gastroenterologist to learn more about the risk of developing cancer with inflammatory bowel disease.
Do dietary factors have an effect on inflammatory bowel disease?
Making certain changes to one's diet may help reduce some of the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease. This could include cutting out foods that may induce bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, among other troublesome symptoms. Our GI provider can help you determine a diet that is right for your needs.
Does IBD ever go away?
Currently, there is no cure for inflammatory bowel disease. But there might be instances when the disease is inactive and falls into remission. IBD and its symptoms may be treated and managed with medications, supplements, and dietary changes.
Experiencing IBD?
Inflammatory bowel disease is not a deadly condition. However, if left uncontrolled and untreated, over time, an individual with IBD can develop complications that may be fatal. Furthermore, leaving inflammatory bowel disease uncared for could lead to an increased risk of colon cancer. Featuring a highly experienced network of gastrointestinal doctors, GastroGroup & Endocenter carries out treatment options to help manage the signs and improve the lives of those struggling with IBD. To find help for IBD in Louisiana, please contact our GI location today.
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