Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Illinois
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Find a ProviderWhat is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a common term to describe swelling in your GI tract. IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) is generally grouped into two similar but distinct diseases:
- Crohn’s disease: Crohn's disease creates uncomfortable irritation of your gastrointestinal tract, specifically the colon. It is usually seen at the end of the small bowel, the start of the colon, and could impact any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus.
- Ulcerative colitis: Ulcerative colitis also shows up through irritation of the colon but is typically accompanied by ulcerations in the tissue. It is limited to the colon.
The GI physicians at GI Alliance of Illinois usually diagnose and deal with inflammatory bowel disease. If you believe you might be suffering from this condition and are in need of treatment for inflammatory bowel disease in Chicago, IL, or Bloomington, IL, please reach out to our facility to locate a gastrointestinal specialist.
What causes IBD?
Inflammatory bowel disease is generally categorized as an immune system issue. Just as when your body properly activates your immune system to deal with bacteria or a virus, an abnormal immune system trigger can attack the cells in the GI system. As a result, portions of the small intestine and colon become inflamed. IBD does maintain a genetic factor and can be passed down from parent to child. Risk factors of IBD include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pills (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen
- Smoking
- Race or ethnicity: IBD is most frequent in Caucasians and people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent but can impact anyone.
- Geography: Inhabiting a well-developed country and/or northern climates may heighten the likelihood of developing inflammatory bowel disease.
- Age: Most people diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease are below the age of 30.
- Family history: Inflammatory bowel disease is connected to being passed down genetically.
Get reliable treatment for your IBD at GI Alliance of Illinois when you request an appointment with one of our GI providers.
What are the signs of IBD?
Symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease will differ based on the condition and its intensity. The standard symptoms of IBD involve:
- Rash
- Immediate need to defecate
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Change with normal menstrual cycle
- Stomach discomfort
- Blood in the stool
- Abdominal pain
- Mouth sores
- Undesired weight changes
- Constipation
- Rectal pain
- Sudden change in weight
- Joint discomfort or stiffness
- Distress or drainage near or around the anus
- Chronic tiredness
We urge you to get in touch with a GI Alliance of Illinois GI specialist if you encounter any persistent shift in bowel habits, or have any mix of the above indicators. Call our GI team in Illinois today to book a consultation.
How is IBD diagnosed?
IBD can be found through different techniques, decided upon by your GI physician depending on your symptoms. A colonoscopy or an endoscopy is commonly used to diagnose inflammatory bowel disease. At times, alternative imaging evaluations at GI Alliance of Illinois will be conducted, such as MRI, X-ray, or CT.
What are the treatments for IBD?
The leading treatment objective is to minimize the inflammation in your gastrointestinal tract in an effort to reduce or relieve symptoms. Treatment could eventually result in long-term remission of inflammatory bowel disease. Treatments for IBD involve:
- Enteral nutrition (liquid supplements)
- Vitamin D and calcium supplements
- Anti-inflammatory drugs targeted at an overactive immune system
- Surgery
- Antibiotics
- Anti-diarrheal medications
- Iron supplements
Inflammatory Bowel Disease FAQs
Is IBD an inherited condition?
Genetics can affect the chance of developing inflammatory bowel disease among some individuals. However, a patient can be genetically inclined to develop IBD but never get the disease. The hereditary opportunity for disease development is higher with Crohn’s disease than with ulcerative colitis.
Does inflammatory bowel disease increase the chance of getting cancer?
Having IBD does not automatically mean a patient will develop cancer. But the disease could heighten the likelihood of colorectal cancer development. Managing IBD appropriately and controlling inflammation might help lessen the cancer risk. Talk with your GI Alliance of Illinois gastroenterologist to learn more about the chance of developing cancer when you have inflammatory bowel disease.
Can a person's diet affect IBD?
Specific diet modifications might help to reduce some inflammatory bowel disease symptoms. This might entail cutting out foods that could elicit gas, bloating, abdominal discomfort, and diarrhea, among other troublesome symptoms. Our gastroenterology team can help you identify a diet that is ideal for your health.
Does inflammatory bowel disease ever go away?
At this time, there is no cure for inflammatory bowel disease. However, there might be times when the condition is not active and falls into remission. IBD and its effects may be treated and controlled through medications, dietary changes, and dietary supplements.
Experiencing IBD?
Inflammatory bowel disease is not a deadly disease. However, when left out of control and untreated, over time, an individual with IBD might develop complications that can be deadly. Additionally, leaving inflammatory bowel disease untreated may lead to a higher chance of colon cancer. Featuring a highly experienced team of gastrointestinal specialists, GI Alliance of Illinois has treatment options to help manage the signs and optimize the lives of those dealing with inflammatory bowel disease. To find help for IBD in Illinois, please contact our gastroenterology office today.
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