Identifying and treating inflammatory bowel disease

The first week of December marks Chron’s and Colitis Awareness Week. This is when we annually observe and raise awareness for the approximately 3 million people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the collective term for Crohn’s disease and colitis. 

Chron’s disease is inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract anywhere from the mouth to the anus, while colitis is inflammation of the colon/large intestine. Both conditions attack the digestive system and are medically incurable, but they can be managed to lessen their impact. 

Is irritable bowel syndrome the same thing as IBD?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) shares similarities with IBD and is the more well-known and more common of the conditions, so it’s no surprise people confuse the two—or haven’t heard of IBD at all. While they’re both gastrointestinal disorders with some overlapping symptoms, there are some key differences. 

Unlike IBD, IBS:

• Doesn’t cause inflammation
• Involves bowel function disturbance
• Typically doesn’t involve surgery or hospitalization
• Can’t be identified as a disease during a colon exam
• Doesn’t increase the risk of colon cancer

While they may look and sound similar, the two conditions require distinct treatment and a correct diagnosis to prevent the potential for more serious and potentially deadly outcomes. 

What are the causes and symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease?

The exact cause of IBD is unknown but may result from an interplay among genes, the immune system and environmental factors. 

Life-interrupting colitis and Chron’s disease symptoms may include:

• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Diarrhea 
• Constipation
• Rectal bleeding
• Fever
• Weight loss

Colitis symptoms also include sores developing throughout the digestive tract, which is called ulcerative colitis. These symptoms range from mild to severe and change over one’s lifetime, with periods of remission or flare-ups.

IBD can also increase the risk of colon cancer, which if not diagnosed and treated during the early stages, can be deadly. 

Inflammatory bowel disease diagnosis

According to the Chron’s and Colitis Foundation of America, approximately 70,000 new cases of IBD are diagnosed annually in the United States. In some individuals, it’s unclear if the IBD is Chron’s disease or colitis. 

Doctors can detect IBD through X-rays and various diagnostic tests when their patients report some of the symptoms above. Early diagnosis and treatment for IBD is important because the longer the duration of inflamed bowels, the more likely cancer can occur in the intestines. 

Treatment for inflammatory bowel disease 

You can manage IBD with lifestyle modifications and medication to improve quality of life. Treating IBD in this manner can lessen the severity of the symptoms and lead to extended periods of remission.

Lifestyle behaviors leading to improved outcomes include:

• Exercise: Participating in regular, moderately intense exercise reduces inflammation, increases the diversity of gut microbiota and reduces risk of relapse in IBD patients in remission
• Nutrition: Educate yourself on common IBD triggers and safe, healthy food. Keep a diary to identify specific foods that trigger your symptoms. There’s no specific diet for IBD, though you may want to consider eating smaller, more frequent meals and choosing nutritious foods
• Planning: You can use an app designed for IBD that helps you track and manage your condition. Consult a registered dietitian specializing in IBD to help you customize a nutrition plan according to disease severity, symptoms and individual preferences
• Healthy habits: Practicing other healthy habits can reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups. This includes quitting smoking, managing stress and getting adequate sleep

Inflammatory bowel disease support

There are many ways to support those living with IBD. The Chron’s and Colitis Foundation helps you find cross-country support groups for patients and loved ones. 

Other ways to support those living with IBD include offering transportation to and from doctor visits or helping them research treatments and medications. Be a friend and a compassionate listener, allowing them to express their experiences and feelings.

You can also raise awareness through community initiatives, events and campaigns.