2. Introduction:
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term for
two conditions (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative
colitis) that are characterized by chronic
inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Prolonged inflammation results in damage to
the GI tract.
3. What are the common symptoms of
IBD?
Persistent diarrhea.
Abdominal pain.
Rectal bleeding/bloody stools.
Weight loss.
Fatigue.
4. causes
The exact cause of IBD is unknown, but IBD is the result of
a weakened immune system. Possible causes are:
The immune system responds incorrectly to
environmental triggers, such as a virus or bacteria,
which causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal
tract.
There also appears to be a genetic component. Someone
with a family history of IBD is more likely to develop
this inappropriate immune response.
5. Complications
Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease have some
complications in common and others that are specific to
each condition. Complications found in both conditions
may include:
Colon cancer. Having ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease that
affects most of your colon can increase your risk of colon
cancer.
Skin, eye and joint inflammation.
Blood clots. IBD increases the risk of blood clots in veins and
arteries.
Severe dehydration. Excessive diarrhea can result in
dehydration
6. Bowel obstruction. Crohn's disease affects the full
thickness of the intestinal wall. Over time, parts of the
bowel can thicken and narrow, which may block the
flow of digestive contents. You may require surgery to
remove the diseased portion of your bowel.
Malnutrition. Diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping
may make it difficult for you to eat or for your intestine
to absorb enough nutrients to keep you nourished. It's
also common to develop anemia due to low iron or
vitamin B-12 caused by the disease
Fistulas.
7. Toxic megacolon. Ulcerative colitis may cause
the colon to rapidly widen and swell, a serious
condition known as toxic megacolon.
A hole in the colon (perforated colon). A
perforated colon most commonly is caused by
toxic megacolon, but it may also occur on its
own.
8. Diagnosis
Lab tests
Tests for anemia or infection. Your provider may suggest
blood tests to check for anemia — a condition in which
there aren't enough red blood cells to carry adequate
oxygen to your tissues — or to check for signs of
infection from bacteria or viruses.
Stool studies. You may need to provide a stool sample so
that your provider can test for hidden (occult) blood or
organisms, such as parasites, in your stool.
10. Teatmemt
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Anti-inflammatories include aminosalicylates, such as mesalamine (Delzicol, Rowasa,
others), balsalazide (Colazal) and olsalazine (Dipentum)
Immune system suppressors
Some examples of immunosuppressant drugs include azathioprine (Azasan, Imuran),
mercaptopurine (Purinethol, Purixan) and methotrexate (Trexall).
Antibiotics
Antibiotics may be used in addition to other medications or when infection is a
concern — in cases of perianal Crohn's disease, for example. Frequently prescribed
antibiotics include ciprofloxacin
(Cipro) and metronidazole (Flagyl).
Anti-diarrheal medications
Pain relievers
Vitamins and supplements
Nutritional support
11. Surgery
If diet and lifestyle changes, drug therapy, or other
treatments don't relieve your IBD signs and symptoms, your
provider may recommend surgery.
Surgery for ulcerative colitis. Surgery involves removal of the
entire colon and rectum and the production of an internal
pouch attached to the anus that allows bowel movements
without a bag.
In some cases a pouch is not possible. Instead, surgeons
create a permanent opening in your abdomen (ileal stoma)
through which stool is passed for collection in an attached
bag.
12. Surgery for Crohn's disease. Up to two-thirds of people with
Crohn's disease will require at least one surgery in their
lifetime. However, surgery does not cure Crohn's disease.
During surgery, your surgeon removes a damaged portion of
your digestive tract and then reconnects the healthy
sections. Surgery may also be used to close fistulas and
drain abscesses.
The benefits of surgery for Crohn's disease are usually
temporary. The disease often
recurs, frequently near the reconnected tissue. The best
approach is to follow surgery with medication to minimize
the risk of recurrence.
