Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of conditions that cause inflammation in the digestive system.
The two most common forms are ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease.
Fatigue is the biggest concern of people with IBD because of its significant effect on daily life.
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These conditions are called immune-mediated because theyre a result of a disorder within the immune system.
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What Causes IBD?
The exact cause of IBD is not known.
However, its thought to be a complex combination of a genetic predisposition and environmental triggers.
However, not everyone who carries the genes develops the condition.
Genetic Factors
More than 240 genes have been identified as contributing to IBD.
About 30 of these genes have a direct connection.
Environmental Factors
Not everyone who carries the genes for IBD develops the disorder.
It’s thought this is because one or more factors may trigger it to develop.
Some of these may include:
Immune System Dysfunction
IBD is considered an immune-mediated condition.
It’s thought that the immune system may be targeting the normal bacteria in the gut.
Over time, the balance of the gut microbiome is disrupted, which is calleddysbiosis.
This could be one factor in the development of IBD.
Some of these include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) and antibiotics.
Age
IBD can be diagnosed at any age.
However, studies show ulcerative colitis most commonly occurs between the ages of 20 to 30 years.
Crohns disease is diagnosed earlier, usually in a person’s teens and 20s.
Another 16% of people are diagnosed after the age of 65 years.
Its estimated that only 4% of people are diagnosed before the age of 5 years.
Race or Ethnicity
Some geographic areas have higher rates of IBD.
Caucasian people also tend to be diagnosed with IBD at higher rates than other races.
IBD Symptoms
IBD affects everyone differently and there are numerous symptoms.
However, fatigue is the biggest concern among people with IBD.
but they aretwo different conditionswith distinct treatments.
People can live with both IBD and IBS at the same time.
It is often treated with lifestyle and dietary changes.
Some people may find that medications are needed to control symptoms.
Surgery is not used as a treatment for IBS.
How Is IBD Diagnosed?
A sigmoidoscopy is used to see the last section of the colon.
Your healthcare provider may include blood tests to provide additional information.
Thisproteintends to be more prevalent in the stool of people who live with an IBD.
Additional Imaging Tests
Your healthcare provider may want additional imaging tests.
Biopsy tissue taken during the procedure is sent to a lab to examine for changes in the cells.
Finding inflammation in the small intestine is more challenging.
More detailed imaging tests may be needed to look at the organs and structures in the abdomen.
These tests include:
IBD Treatment Options
Treating IBDinvolves medications, lifestyle changes, and surgery.
Some medications are used short-term to stop inflammation while others are used long-term to prevent symptom flare-ups.
Different types of medications to treat IBD include:
Lifestyle changes may also help.
These include:
There is no single overall plan.
Consult with your healthcare provider to incorporate behaviors that support your health.
There are several different types of surgery for IBD.
It depends on the bang out of IBD and which part of the digestive system is involved.
It can also lead tocomplications.
Consult with your healthcare provider to learn how to manage your symptoms.
Creating a care plan can help with all of the challenges of this condition.
How to Manage IBD
IBD will need to be managed over a lifetime.
There is no way to reverse or cure these conditions.
However, there are many ways to help manage them.
The most important part of managing IBD is to reduce the inflammation that leads to complications.
This means finding a medication to reduce symptoms so they go intoremissionand then taking that medication consistently.
People with IBD may also want to avoid triggers associated with flare-ups.
A diagnosis of IBD can take time, so its important not to delay seeking care.
Contact your healthcare provider when signs or symptoms worsen or return after remission.
There may be a need for testing to determine the cause and adjust your treatment plan.
In most cases, IBD is not considered a life-threatening or fatal condition.
However, some signs and symptoms require care in the emergency department.
Although its exact cause isn’t known, there are genetic and environmental factors that may contribute to predisposition.
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