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)
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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Quick in and saw Dr. God Bless
I have been a patient of Dr. Fox since November of 1991 and he has been the best doctor that I have had. He listens to me and discusses the best course of treatment for my stomach problems. I'm thankful that God brought him to Hattiesburg in 1991.
If you are looking for professional expertise and caring treatment, HGIA is the right place.
If you need a GI doctor, Dr. Morrissette is the doctor. Very professional while being very personable. Wouldn’t go anywhere else. I have tried other doctors and GI services, but these are the best.
Everything went great, I was told what was going to happen and how long it would take. I will continue to use this doctor.
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