Inflammatory bowel diseaseinvolves ongoing inflammation of all or part of your digestive tract.
Frequent Symptoms
IBD is a painful condition and some of its symptoms can be worrisome.
Blood in the stool is a common symptom of UC and IC.
Verywell / Brooke Pelczynski
It’s less frequent in Crohn’s disease.
There are times when it can be a serious concern, leading to significant blood loss.
Often, diarrhea resolves on its own, and the cause may go undiscovered.
Persistent diarrhea lasting more than three days can be a sign of a problem that might need treatment.
People with IBD often have episodes of “explosive diarrhea” several times a day.
This bang out of diarrhea is just as the name impliesrapid, sudden, and severe.
It may involve anywhere from three up to 10 or even 20 watery bowel movements daily.
Diarrhea,lack of appetite, and active inflammation resulting in protein-losing enteropathy can result in unintended weight loss.
Your healthcare providers may recommend that yougain weightwhen IBD is in remission.
Be sure to gain weight in a healthy wayby eating fresh, nutrient-rich foods that are minimally processed.
Over time, and especially if treatment is delayed or inadequate, some people develop serious complications.
The risk starts to increase eight to 10 years after the initial diagnosis and continues to increase over time.
After 30 years, the risk of colorectal cancer may be as high as 18%.
Due to the complexities involved in the diagnosis, you may be referred to agastroenterologist.
Common symptoms include bloody stools, abdominal pain, unintentional weight loss, and diarrhea.
Over time, and especially if treatment is delayed or inadequate, some people develop serious complications.
If you’re experiencing ongoing digestive symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) basics.
Crohns & Colitis Foundation of America.The Facts About Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.
2018;113(5):660-669. doi:10.1038/s41395-018-0032-9
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.Malnutrition and IBD.
Crohn’s and Colitis Canada.Living with Crohn’s & Colitis.
McDowell C, Farooq U, Haseeb M.Inflammatory bowel disease.
In:StatPearls [Internet],
Washington University School of Medicine.Inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome?
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.Fact Sheet: News from the IBD Help Center: Intestinal Complications.
Oxford, UK: Elsevier Health Sciences.
