IBD – Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease is also referred to as IBD. It is a chronic inflammatory disease of the digestive system. There are two types: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract while ulcerative colitis only affects the colon. About 25% of individuals with IBD are diagnosed during childhood. We don’t precisely understand what causes IBD. As a parent, there is nothing that you could have done to prevent your child from developing IBD.

IBD presents with varied symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloody stools, fever, weight loss, and even delayed puberty. IBD can also be accompanied by non-gastrointestinal symptoms such as arthritis and rashes.

Because of the seriousness of the diagnosis, your doctor must be positive that your symptoms are indeed IBD. Some test that may be ordered are:

• Bloodwork and stool tests
• Upper endoscopy and colonoscopy with biopsies
• Radiologic tests such as x-rays and CT scans are sometimes needed.

Medications such as corticosteroids, aminosalicylates, immunosuppressants, antibiotics and biologic therapies are typically used. For your convenience we offer these medications in our Infusion rooms. Nutritional therapy may also be ordered. Rarely, surgery is needed. Your TDDC gastroenterologist will outline a personal treatment plan for your or your loved one.