Get to Know the Symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
4/7/2023
Many adults experience the challenging gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and often think it will be a lifelong issue. However, our gastroenterology doctors in Hattiesburg, MS want to express that you don’t need to live with this constant discomfort. Assistance is available — and it’s within reach. At Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC, we can educate you on IBD symptoms and offer a variety of treatment options that can get you back to living your best life.
What is IBD?
Inflammatory bowel disease is simply chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Two conditions that you’ve likely heard of make up this condition — Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Although it might merely seem like discomfort you have to live with, inflammation of the intestines can lead to irreversible damage to the GI tract as time goes on.
While the precise cause of inflammatory bowel disease is not known, it’s believed to be related to a malfunctioning immune system. An individual with this disease is thought to have an immune system that may not be reacting appropriately to environmental triggers, such as viruses and bacteria, and has a parent or sibling with inflammatory bowel disease.
The most common symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease include:
- Unintentional loss of weight
- Loose and watery stool
- Exhaustion
- Pain in the abdomen
- Bloody stool
- Difficulty having a bowel movement
How is IBD alleviated?
After diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease, we aim to decrease intestinal inflammation to reduce symptoms. There are several treatments we can try, and our goal is that, ultimately, you will experience lasting freedom from discomfort. Common IBD treatments are:
- Supplements such as Vitamin D, iron, calcium, and more
- Anti-diarrheal medications
- Anti-inflammatory medicine
- Dietary changes
Our GI specialists can work with you to find an ideal treatment for your health needs. It could require a bit of experimentation to determine what treatment can help lessen symptoms and decrease inflammation. However, we will work with you during the process to find the ideal option.
Get help for inflammatory bowel disease in Hattiesburg, MS
If you experience constipation, stomach pain, loose and watery stool, or other GI symptoms consistently, it might be due to IBD. At Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC, our team of expert gastroenterologists can help identify, treat, and manage IBD and the uncomfortable symptoms that come along with it. If you suspect you might have inflammatory bowel disease and would like to start living life with less stress and fewer symptoms, contact your closest Hattiesburg, MS location to request a consultation.