Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an umbrella term used to describe disorders that involve chronic inflammation of your digestive tract.
For some people, IBD is only a mild illness.
For others, it can be debilitating, and sometimes leads to life-threatening complications.
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are two types of IBD.
Crohn’s disease is characterised by inflammation of the lining of your digestive tract, which often spreads deep into affected tissues.
Inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease can involve different areas of the digestive tract in different people, but most commonly, the small intestine.
Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and sores in your digestive tract.
It affects the innermost lining of your large intestine (the colon) and rectum.
Here are some risk factors for IBD:
- Age
Most people who develop IBD are diagnosed before they’re 30.
But some people don’t develop the disease until their 50s or 60s.
- Family history
You’re at higher risk if you have a close relative, such as a parent, sibling or child, with the disease.
- Cigarette smoking
Cigarette smoking is the most important controllable risk factor for developing Crohn’s disease.
Smoking may help prevent ulcerative colitis.
However, its harm to overall health outweighs any benefit, and quitting smoking can improve the general health of your digestive tract and provide many other health benefits.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs may increase the risk of developing Crohn’s disease or worsen the disease in people who already have it.
These medications include ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, diclofenac sodium and others.
Signs and symptoms
IBD symptoms vary depending on the severity of inflammation and where it occurs.
Symptoms may range from mild to severe.
You are likely to have periods of active illness, followed by periods of remission.
The signs and symptoms that are common to both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis include:
- Diarrhoea
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Blood in your stool
- Reduced appetite
- Unintended weight loss.
The symptoms of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis don’t only affect you physically though.
They take an emotional toll as well.
If your signs and symptoms are severe, your life may revolve around a constant need to run to the toilet.
Even if your symptoms are mild, it can be difficult to be out in public.
All of these factors can alter your life and may lead to depression.
Here are some strategies for coping and support:
One of the best ways to be more in control is to learn as much as possible about IBD.
Look for information from reputable sources like the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.
Although support groups aren’t for everyone, they can provide valuable information about your condition, as well as emotional support.
Group members are frequently aware of the latest medical treatments or integrative therapies.
You may also find it reassuring to have the company of others with IBD.
Some people find it helpful to consult a mental health professional who’s familiar with IBD and the emotional difficulties it can cause. – By Laurel Kelly/Mayo Clinic News Network/Tribune News Service
