How Inflammatory Bowel Disease Affects Your Body
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of intestinal conditions that cause inflammation in the digestive tract. The two main types of IBD are ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
Ulcerative colitis affects the large intestine (colon) and rectum. It causes inflammation and ulcers in the colon, which can lead to abdominal pain, diarrhoea, rectal bleeding, and weight loss.
Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive tract, but it most commonly affects the small intestine. It causes inflammation and thickening of the intestinal walls, which can lead to abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss.
IBD can also cause a number of other symptoms, including:
* Fatigue
* Fever
* Joint pain
* Skin problems
* Eye problems
IBD can have a significant impact on your quality of life. It can cause pain, discomfort, and embarrassment. It can also make it difficult to work, go to school, or participate in social activities.
If you have IBD, it's important to see a doctor regularly to monitor your condition and manage your symptoms. Treatment for IBD may include medication, surgery, and lifestyle changes.
How IBD Affects Your Body
IBD causes inflammation in the digestive tract. This inflammation can damage the intestinal lining and cause a number of symptoms, including:
* Abdominal pain
* Diarrhoea
* Rectal bleeding
* Weight loss
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Fatigue
* Fever
* Joint pain
* Skin problems
* Eye problems
IBD can also lead to a number of complications, including:
* Intestinal perforation
* Fistulas
* Abscesses
* Malnutrition
* Iron deficiency anaemia
* Osteoporosis
* Liver disease
* Kidney disease
* Cancer
Treatment for IBD
There is no cure for IBD, but there are a number of treatments that can help to manage the symptoms and prevent complications. Treatment options for IBD include:
* Medication
* Surgery
* Lifestyle changes
Medication
There are a number of different medications that can be used to treat IBD, including:
* Aminosalicylates
* Corticosteroids
* Immunomodulators
* Biologic therapies
* Janus kinase inhibitors
The type of medication that is best for you will depend on the severity of your IBD and your individual response to treatment.
Surgery
Surgery may be necessary to treat IBD if you have complications such as intestinal perforation, fistulas, or abscesses. Surgery may also be necessary to remove damaged portions of the intestine.
Lifestyle changes
There are a number of lifestyle changes that you can make to help manage your IBD, including:
* Eating a healthy diet
* Getting regular exercise
* Avoiding smoking
* Managing stress
If you have IBD, it's important to see a doctor regularly to monitor your condition and manage your symptoms. Treatment for IBD can help to improve your quality of life and prevent complications.