General Information About Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is the permanent redness, swelling, and ulceration (open sores) of the cells lining the inner surface of the digestive system (from the mouth to the anus) due to an overactive immune system response.
Ulcerative Colitis is a continuous inflammation that only affects the large intestine and its surface layer. Crohn's Disease, however, is a patchy inflammation that can affect any part of the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus and can penetrate all layers of the bowel.
Severe cramp-like abdominal pain that comes in attacks (flare-ups), bloody and mucous diarrhea recurring many times a day, fever episodes, anemia, and severe involuntary weight loss.
Yes. Because the disease enters the bloodstream, it causes damage outside the bowel as well. Recurrent redness in the eyes (uveitis), swelling in the joints (arthritis), large sores on the skin (Erythema Nodosum), and inflammation in the liver ducts can be seen.
Occult blood in the stool and Calprotectin levels, which indicate bowel inflammation, are checked. A definitive distinction and diagnosis are made by taking a tissue sample (biopsy) from the bowel during a Colonoscopy performed under anesthesia.
The goal is to promote healing of the bowel. Cortisone, mesalazine suppositories, and immunosuppressive drugs are used. In severe cases that do not respond, TNF inhibitors (Biological Agents) are applied. If the damage to the bowel is irreversible, the diseased bowel is completely removed surgically.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
