The ultimate goal of treatment for inflammatory bowel disease is to reduce inflammation of the digestive system. With the right treatment plan, patients may experience improved symptom relief and in some cases, long-term remission. Natural remedies, prescription drug therapy or surgery are normal treatments for inflammatory bowel disease.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) refers to a group of inflammatory conditions in all or part of the digestive tract and is one of the five most prevalent gastrointestinal diseases in the United States.
The most common types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, both of which can be extremely painful and lead to serious complications. Although the specific cause of IBD is unknown, it is theorized that these disorders are a result of an immune reaction of the body against its own intestinal tissue.
Symptoms
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Gas
- Diarrhea (containing bright red blood)
- Fatigue
- Low-grade fever
Diagnosis
To diagnose inflammatory bowel disease, your physician may perform a number of different tests to rule out other possible causes for your symptoms. Other causes may include infection, irritable bowel syndrome, ischemic colitis and colon cancer. Blood tests, stool samples, colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, x-ray, CT, MRI, capsule endoscopy and double-balloon endoscopy are all possible methods of diagnosis, which your physician may utilize depending on your unique situation.