Cdhf fact sheet ibd_e

UNDERSTANDING
INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE – IBD
socioeconomic period of life. The severity of symptoms Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is at least two, separate may prevent those with IBD from realizing their career disorders that cause inflammation (redness and swelling) and ulceration (sores) of the small and large intestines. These two disorders are called ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
SymptomsMany of the symptoms of IBD are similar. Symptoms outside Ulcerative colitis causes ulceration and inflammation of the the gut may include aching, sore joints, skin and mouth lining of the large bowel only, beginning at the rectum (proctitis) and extending upwards varying distances. Crohn's disease can occur anywhere in the digestive tract but is The most common symptom of ulcerative colitis is bloody common in the lower small bowel (ileum) or large bowel.
diarrhea. There may also be weight loss, fatigue, fever and abdominal pain. The most common symptoms of Crohn's Malnutrition and blood disorders are common conditions disease are abdominal pain (often in the right, lower area in IBD patients found to be caused by avoiding food items of the abdomen) and diarrhea. There may also be rectal either because of existing symptoms or concern that they bleeding, weight loss and fever. Children may suffer may bring on symptoms. Almost half of IBD patients have additional health issues affecting their joints, skin, eyes, and biliary tract that may be more debilitating than the bowel Tests are needed to determine whether the patient has Canada has one of the highest incidence and prevalence ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease and to rule out other rates of IBD in the world with more than 200,000 Canadians causes. To diagnose these disorders the doctor will take a living with the disease. These disorders are expensive and complete history and perform a physical examination. In can be debilitating. The total direct and indirect costs of addition, blood tests are used to find out if you are anemic IBD are $1.8 billion with the main indirect cost being related (low blood count) as a result of blood loss, or if there is an to long-term work loss. The average age for people increased number of white blood cells in your body, developing IBD often coincides with the most important IBD – INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE
Stool samples can tell your doctor if there is blood loss immunosuppressives (methotrexate and azathioprine) and or if an infection by a parasite or bacteria is causing some immunomodulatory agents (infliximab). Some of these may be given by different methods including oral, rectal and intravenously. Antibiotics may be useful in certain The doctor may also look inside your rectum and large bowel through a long, flexible video camera called an endoscope.
During this safe procedure, samples of the lining of the intestine (biopsies) may be taken to be looked at under the People with both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis may need surgery at some point in their lives.
On some occasions an X-ray exam may be required. This is Surgery is less common in ulcerative colitis than in Crohn's done by putting barium (a white chalky solution) into the disease and is often performed when ulcerative colitis is upper intestine (swallowing barium) or by putting the barium no longer responding to medical treatment. Unlike Crohn's into the bowel by inserting a tube into the anus.
disease, surgery will cure ulcerative colitis by removing all diseased bowel. With the colon being completely removed the patient may require an ileostomy (bag outside the body to collect waste) or a second operation to form a new Although several drugs are useful in controlling these conditions, as yet a cure has not been found. Since the disease is not curable, long-term treatment is often required.
Despite all of the advances in medical research over the last several decades, we still do not know the cause of IBD and much further research is required.
Specific medications are used to treat diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Anti-diarrheal drugs slow the muscles of the intestine which in turn slow the passage of stool through the body For more information about protecting and enhancing and help with diarrhea. While abdominal pain often occurs your digestive health, please visit www.CDHF.ca
with IBD, it is important to note that the pain is a consequence of the disease and, if treated appropriately, the pain should subside. People with IBD should be careful to avoid taking an excess of pain killers and anti-diarrheal drugs since this may Diet alone is not effective in treating Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. However, it is important that patients with IBD have a well-balanced diet. Calcium is important to protect bones. Fibre may not be tolerated during flare ups. Certain vitamins (for example, B12) may be required. Selected patients may sometimes be helped by a registered dietitian.
These include anti-inflammatory drugs (sulfasalazine/5-ASA), corticosteroids (prednisone and budesonide), Over 20 million Canadians suffer from digestive I want to donate to the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation disorders every year. The Canadian Digestive Please accept my donation to support:
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