Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Hattiesburg, MS
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Find a ProviderWhat is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a comprehensive term to describe irritation in the gastrointestinal tract. IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) is typically categorized into two similar but separate diseases:
- Crohn's disease: Crohn's disease results in uncomfortable inflammation of the digestive tract, specifically your colon. It is generally seen at the end of the small bowel or the start of the colon, but it might impact any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus.
- Ulcerative colitis: Ulcerative colitis also presents itself through inflammation of the colon but is normally accompanied by ulcers. It is limited to the colon.
The GI physicians at Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC frequently diagnose and handle IBD. If you think you could be suffering from this condition and are seeking care for IBD in Hattiesburg, MS, please get in touch with our office to locate a gastrointestinal physician.
What causes IBD?
The reason for inflammatory bowel disease is generally classified as an immune system issue. Just as when your body appropriately activates your immune system to deal with a virus or bacteria, an abnormal immune system trigger can attack the cells in the digestive tract. As a result, parts of the small intestine and colon become swollen. IBD does have a hereditary factor and can be passed down from parent to offspring. Risk factors of IBD include:
- Geography: IBD is more likely to develop in individuals living in well-developed regions and/or northern climates.
- Ethnicity or race: IBD is most frequent among Caucasians and people of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry but can affect anyone.
- Age: Most individuals diagnosed with IBD are younger than the age of 30.
- Family history: Inflammatory bowel disease is known to be passed down genetically.
- Tobacco use
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen
What are the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease?
Signs of IBD may vary based on how serious the condition is. The standard symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease involve:
- Blood in the stool
- Joint discomfort or inflexibility
- Fever
- Sudden weight loss
- Changes in menstrual cycle
- Pain or drainage in the area around the anus
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal discomfort
- Stomach pain
- Mouth sores
- Unexplained weight changes
- Rash
- Constipation
- Rectal soreness
- Chronic tiredness
- Pressing need to defecate
We encourage you to get in touch with a Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC gastroenterologist should you notice any constant change in bowel habits or any mix of the above indicators. Call our GI providers in Hattiesburg, MS today to schedule an appointment.
How is IBD identified?
IBD can be diagnosed via various approaches that may be decided upon by your physician depending on your symptoms. An endoscopy or a colonoscopy is often utilized to diagnose IBD. In some cases, other imaging evaluations will be conducted, such as MRI, x-rays, or CT.
What are treatment options for IBD?
The primary treatment objective is to reduce the inflammation in your digestive system in an effort to relieve or reduce symptoms. Treatment could, over time, allow for long-term remission of inflammatory bowel disease. IBD treatment options involve:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs targeted at an overactive immune system
- Antibiotics
- Calcium and vitamin D supplements
- Anti-diarrheal medications
- Iron supplements
- Surgery
- Enteral nutrition (liquid supplements)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease FAQs
Is inflammatory bowel disease hereditary?
Genetics can influence some people's chances of having inflammatory bowel disease. However, someone might be genetically predisposed to getting IBD but never experience the condition. The hereditary risk of disease occurrence is higher with Crohn’s disease compared to ulcerative colitis.
Does inflammatory bowel disease increase the chance of cancer?
Having IBD does not automatically indicate that a patient will develop cancer. But the condition can elevate the risk of colon cancer development. Controlling the disease properly and minimizing inflammation may help lessen the cancer risk. Speak with your Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC gastroenterologist for further information about the chance of developing cancer when you have inflammatory bowel disease.
Can dietary factors have an effect on inflammatory bowel disease?
Incorporating certain dietary changes may help minimize some of the symptoms of IBD. This may include cutting out foods that could induce gas, bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort, among other unpleasant symptoms. Our GI providers can help you determine a dietary plan ideal for your needs.
Will IBD ever go away?
Presently, there is no cure for IBD. However, there may be instances when the condition is not active and goes into remission. Inflammatory bowel disease and its symptoms may be addressed and controlled through medications, dietary supplements, and dietary changes.
Affected by IBD?
Inflammatory bowel disease is not a deadly condition. However, if left uncontrolled and untreated, over time, an individual with IBD could create issues that have the potential to be fatal. Additionally, leaving IBD untreated may lead to a higher chance of colon cancer. As a physician-led group of GI doctors, Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC carries out treatments to help regulate the symptoms and enhance the lives of those living with IBD. To receive help for IBD in Hattiesburg, MS, please get in touch with our GI practice today.
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