Basics on Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic disorder that causes constant inflammation of the digestive tract.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) has two (2) forms; Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease

The disease is characterized as being very painful, either constantly or through flare-ups, and is known to have two (2) forms. Those being, Ulcerative Colitis, which is limited to inflammation of the colon or large intestine, and Crohn's Disease, which can occur anywhere within the GI tract.

What about Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and is it related to Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), or is it the same?

IBS is different from IBD but is often confused due to sharing some similar symptoms as well as a similar acronym. It's important to know that they are very different conditions and it is very possible to have both at the same time. The key difference between the two is that IBS, unlike IBD, is not life-threatening and does not cause any form of inflammation.

Here's a great video called "Ulcerative Colitis versus Crohn's Disease" by Alila Medical Media

It's important to note IBD does not have a cure, but rather is treated to remission or to the point of minimizing patient discomfort.

What are some common ways IBD is treated?

There are a variety of treatment plans for those with IBD, some of the most common are:

• Aminosalicylates (anti-inflammatory medication)

• Antibiotics

• Biologics (drugs that target inflammatory signals)

• Antidiarrheals

• Probiotics and Vitamins

What about surgical treatment?

Surgical treatments are another option for those with IBD, however, it usually is not the go-to treatment and is usually used as a treatment when medications stop providing relief. It's also important to note how surgical treatment depends on the type of IBD you have, as it is rare in those with Ulcerative Colitis, whereas those 7 in 10 people with Crohn's Disease eventually get surgery.

Surgery can be beneficial, but still offers the chance of recurrence.

How can I prevent IBD?

IBD is a genetically inheritable disease and is hard to avoid if it's in your family. However, there are practices to minimize the risks.

Most commonly you can reduce your risk of developing IBD by:

• Exercising regularly

• Not smoking

• Maintaining a healthy diet

Anyone can exercise and it has extensive health benefits.