Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Baton Rouge, LA
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Find a ProviderWhat is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an overarching term to describe swelling in your GI tract. IBD can be categorized into two corresponding but distinct diseases:
- Crohn’s disease: Crohn's disease causes uncomfortable irritation of your digestive tract, specifically the colon. It is normally found at the end of the small intestine, the start of the colon, and could impact any portion of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus.
- Ulcerative colitis: Ulcerative colitis also manifests itself through irritation of the colon but is normally accompanied by ulcers. This condition is limited to the large bowel.
The GI physicians at Gastroenterology Associates commonly identify and address IBD. If you believe you may be struggling with this problem and are looking for care for IBD in Baton Rouge, LA, please contact your nearest location to connect with a gastrointestinal professional in your community.
What causes inflammatory bowel disease?
The reason behind IBD is generally classified as an immune system malfunction. Just as when your body properly initiates your immune system to fight a virus or bacteria, an abnormal immune system response can fight the cells in the digestive system. As a result, sections of the small bowel and colon become irritated. IBD does have a hereditary component and can be handed down from parent to offspring. Risk factors of inflammatory bowel disease include:
- Family history: IBD is connected to being passed down genetically.
- Ethnicity: IBD is most frequent among Caucasians and people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent but can affect anyone.
- Smoking
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pills (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen
- Age: The majority of individuals diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease are below the age of 30.
- Geography: Living in a well-developed area and/or northern areas may elevate the risk of developing IBD.
What are the symptoms of IBD?
Indications of IBD will vary depending on the condition and its intensity. The common signs of IBD include:
- Chronic exhaustion
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Unexplained weight changes
- Blood in your stool
- Discomfort or drainage near or around the anus
- Change in your typical menstrual cycle
- Mouth sores
- Fever
- Rectal soreness
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain or inflexibility
- Abdominal distress
- Abrupt loss of weight
- Urgency to defecate
- Rash
We urge you to connect with one of our GI doctors in Baton Rouge, LA if you experience any steady shift in bowel habits or experience any combination of the above symptoms.
How is IBD detected?
Inflammatory bowel disease can be detected in a few ways, determined by your provider according to your symptoms. A colonoscopy or an endoscopy is often utilized to detect IBD. Sometimes, additional imaging procedures will be completed, such as an MRI, CT, or X-ray.
How is IBD treated?
The leading treatment objective for IBD is to alleviate the inflammation in your gastrointestinal tract in an effort to reduce or eliminate symptoms. Treatment may eventually lead to long-term remission. Inflammatory bowel disease treatments involve:
- Antibiotics
- Anti-inflammatory drugs targeted at an overactive immune system
- Anti-diarrheal medications
- Iron supplements
- Calcium and vitamin D supplements
- Surgery
- Enteral nutrition (liquid supplements)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease FAQs
Is IBD a genetic condition?
For some individuals, hereditary factors can influence the chance of having inflammatory bowel disease. However, a patient might be genetically inclined to have IBD yet never develop the disorder. The genetic opportunity for disease development is greater with Crohn’s disease than with ulcerative colitis.
Can IBD increase the risk of getting cancer?
Having IBD does not automatically mean a patient will develop cancer. However, having this disorder can increase the chance of getting colorectal cancer. Managing the disease properly and controlling inflammation may help lessen the cancer risk. Speak with your Gastroenterology Associates GI provider to find out further information about the chance of developing cancer when you have IBD.
Can my diet affect IBD?
Implementing certain dietary changes can help minimize some inflammatory bowel disease symptoms. This could involve not eating foods that may elicit diarrhea, gas, bloating, and abdominal pain, along with other troublesome symptoms. Our gastroenterology team can help you identify a dietary plan that is right for your health.
Will inflammatory bowel disease be cured?
There is no identified cure for IBD. But there may be instances when the condition is inactive and is in remission. IBD and its symptoms may be treated and managed through medications, supplements, and changes to the diet.
Experiencing IBD?
IBD is not a deadly condition. However, when left uncontrolled and untreated, an individual with IBD is more likely to experience complications that could be fatal, such as colon cancer. As a physician-led group of gastroenterologists, Gastroenterology Associates provides treatment options to help manage the signs and improve the lives of those struggling with IBD. To get help for IBD in Baton Rouge, LA, please get in touch with your nearest location to request an appointment.
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