Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Kansas City, MO
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Find a ProviderWhat is IBD (inflammatory bowel disease)?
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a comprehensive label to describe irritation in your digestive tract. IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) is generally grouped into two corresponding but separate diseases:
- Crohn’s disease: Crohn's disease creates uncomfortable inflammation of the GI tract, specifically your colon. It is typically at the base of the small bowel, the start of the colon, and can impact any area of the GI tract from the mouth to the anus.
- Ulcerative colitis: Ulcerative colitis also occurs through irritation of the colon but is usually accompanied by ulcers. This condition is limited to the colon.
The GI providers at Digestive Health Specialists often identify and deal with inflammatory bowel disease. If you believe you might be affected by this problem and require treatment for IBD in Kansas City, MO, please contact our practice to partner with a gastrointestinal physician.
What causes IBD?
The reason behind inflammatory bowel disease is generally categorized as an immune system malfunction. Just like when your body appropriately triggers your immune system to fight bacteria or a virus, an abnormal immune system trigger can attack the cells in the gastrointestinal system. As a result, sections of the small bowel and colon become inflamed. IBD does possess a genetic element and can be passed down from parent to child. Risk factors for IBD include:
- Age: Most individuals diagnosed with IBD are below the age of 30
- Smoking
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen
- Race or ethnicity: IBD is most common among Caucasians and people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, but can impact people of any race
- Geography: Living in a well-developed country and/or northern climates may increase the likelihood of IBD
- Family history: Inflammatory bowel disease is linked to being passed down genetically
What are the signs of IBD?
Indications of IBD will diversify in accordance with the condition and its intensity. The common symptoms of IBD involve:
- Rash
- Diarrhea
- Stomach distress
- Discomfort or drainage in the area around the anus
- Rectal discomfort
- Blood in your stool
- Abrupt loss of weight
- Urgent need to defecate
- Loss of normal menstrual cycle
- Fever
- Constipation
- Joint ache or stiffness
- Abdominal discomfort
- Chronic exhaustion
- Unexplained weight changes
- Mouth sores
We urge you to reach out to a Digestive Health Specialists GI specialist should you encounter any steady change in bowel habits, or have any mix of the above indicators. Call our GI office in Kansas City, MO today to set up an appointment.
How is IBD diagnosed?
IBD can be diagnosed via a variety of techniques, chosen by your provider according to your symptoms. An endoscopy or a colonoscopy is frequently utilized to diagnose IBD. In some instances, other imaging evaluations will be conducted, such as CT, MRI, or x-ray.
What are the treatments for IBD?
The primary treatment goal is to lessen the inflammation in your gastrointestinal system in order to relieve or reduce symptoms. Treatment may, over time, enable long-term remission of IBD. Treatment options for IBD include:
- Enteral nutrition (liquid supplements)
- Iron supplements
- Surgery
- Anti-inflammatory drugs targeted at an overactive immune system
- Anti-diarrheal medications
- Calcium and Vitamin D supplements
- Antibiotics
Inflammatory Bowel Disease FAQs
Is IBD genetic?
Among some individuals, hereditary factors can influence the development of inflammatory bowel disease. However, a person might be genetically prone to developing inflammatory bowel disease but never get the condition. The genetic chance for disease development is greater with Crohn’s disease than with ulcerative colitis.
Does IBD elevate the risk of cancer?
Having inflammatory bowel disease does not automatically indicate that an individual will develop cancer. But it can increase the risk of developing colon cancer. Managing the disease properly and controlling inflammation may help lessen the cancer risk. Speak with your provider at Digestive Health Specialists to learn more about the chance of developing cancer when you have IBD.
Do diet and nutrition impact IBD?
Making specific changes to your diet could help reduce some inflammatory bowel disease symptoms. This might focus on avoiding foods that tend to induce diarrhea, gas, bloating, abdominal pain, and other unpleasant symptoms. Your gastrointestinal provider can help you determine a diet that is ideal for your health.
Is inflammatory bowel disease curable?
At this time, there is no identified cure for IBD. But there might be instances when the condition is not active and falls into remission. Inflammatory bowel disease and its symptoms may be addressed and controlled via medications, supplements, and changes to the diet.
Experiencing IBD?
Inflammatory bowel disease is not a fatal condition. However, when left unmanaged and untreated, over time, a person with IBD could develop complications that may be deadly. Moreover, leaving inflammatory bowel disease untreated may lead to an increased chance of colon cancer. As a highly experienced team of GI specialists, Digestive Health Specialists conducts treatment options to help regulate the symptoms and improve the lives of those living with IBD. To get help for IBD in Kansas City, MO, please contact our gastroenterology practice today.
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