Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Texas
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Find a ProviderWhat is IBD (inflammatory bowel disease)?
IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) is a common term to describe inflammation in your gastrointestinal tract. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is typically categorized into two similar but unique diseases:
- Crohn’s disease: Crohn's disease creates uncomfortable inflammation of your gastrointestinal tract, namely the colon. It is generally seen at the end of the small bowel, the start of the colon, and could impact any area of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus.
- Ulcerative colitis: Ulcerative colitis also presents itself through irritation of the colon but is normally accompanied by ulcerations in the tissue. It is limited to the large bowel.
The providers at Texas Digestive Disease Consultants typically identify and deal with IBD. If you think you might be experiencing this issue and are seeking care for IBD in Texas, please reach out to our office to locate a gastrointestinal professional in your area.
What causes inflammatory bowel disease?
The reason behind IBD is often characterized as an immune system malfunction. Just like when your body appropriately activates your immune system to fight a virus or bacteria, an abnormal immune system trigger can fight the cells in the digestive system. As a result, parts of the small intestine and colon become irritated. IBD does maintain a genetic element and can be passed down from parent to child. Risk factors for IBD include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen
- Tobacco use
- Family history: IBD is connected to being passed down genetically.
- Geography: Residing in a well-developed country and/or northern regions may heighten the risk of IBD.
- Race or ethnicity: IBD is most frequent in Caucasians and people of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry but can impact persons of any race.
- Age: Most people diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease are below the age of 30.
What are the symptoms of IBD?
Indications of inflammatory bowel disease will vary depending on the condition and its severity. The common symptoms of IBD involve:
- Abdominal discomfort
- Abrupt loss of weight
- Change with the typical menstrual cycle
- Rectal soreness
- Blood in your stool
- Urgency to defecate
- Constipation
- Chronic tiredness
- Discomfort or drainage near or around the anus
- Unintentional weight changes
- Rash
- Loose stools
- Joint ache or stiffness
- Mouth sores
- Stomach cramps
- Fever
You should get in touch with a Texas Digestive Disease Consultants provider if you experience any persistent change in bowel routines or notice any combination of the above indicators.
How is IBD identified?
IBD is often detected via various techniques, determined by your physician depending on your symptoms. A colonoscopy or an endoscopy is frequently utilized to identify inflammatory bowel disease. In some cases, additional imaging procedures will be conducted, such as MRI, X-ray, or CT.
How is IBD treated?
The main treatment goal is to minimize inflammation in your digestive system in an effort to relieve or reduce symptoms. Treatment could eventually lead to long-term remission of IBD. Treatment options for IBD involve:
- Antibiotics
- Surgery
- Anti-inflammatory drugs targeted at an overactive immune system
- Anti-diarrheal medications
- Iron supplements
- Enteral nutrition (liquid supplements)
- Calcium and vitamin D supplements
Inflammatory Bowel Disease FAQs
Is IBD a genetic condition?
Genetic factors can sometimes impact the chance of having inflammatory bowel disease. However, someone can be genetically inclined to develop IBD yet never get the condition. The hereditary chance for disease development is higher with Crohn’s disease than with ulcerative colitis.
Does having inflammatory bowel disease raise the risk of developing cancer?
An IBD diagnosis does not mean a person will get cancer. However, having the disease could raise the risk of colon or rectal cancer. Controlling the disease and associated inflammation may help minimize the cancer risk. Talk with your Texas Digestive Disease Consultants provider to learn more about the chance of developing cancer with inflammatory bowel disease.
Can diet affect IBD?
Implementing certain dietary changes may help to diminish some of the symptoms of IBD. This might involve avoiding foods that elicit gas, bloating, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and other troublesome symptoms. Your gastrointestinal doctor can help you determine an ideal dietary approach for your needs.
Can IBD be cured?
At this time, there is no identified cure for IBD. However, there may be times when the disease is not in an active state and is in remission. Inflammatory bowel disease and its symptoms can often be treated and managed through medications, supplements, and dietary modifications.
Affected by IBD?
Inflammatory bowel disease is not a fatal disease. However, if left out of control and untreated, over time, a person with IBD could increase problems that may be deadly. Additionally, leaving IBD uncared for may lead to an increased chance of developing colon cancer. Featuring a highly experienced team of gastroenterologists, Texas Digestive Disease Consultants carries out treatment options to help regulate the symptoms and improve the lives of those living with inflammatory bowel disease. To receive help for IBD in Texas, please request a consultation at your nearest Texas Digestive Disease Consultants location.
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