Do you often have stomach aches, especially lower abdominal pain? Do you have to run to the toilet several times a day? Have you ever noticed that there is sometimes a little blood in your stool? Do these things get better after a few days, and then start again after a while? Don't be fooled into thinking that this is just a normal stomach ache. There is a high chance that this is Inflammatory Bowel Disease , or IBD for short. Don't be scared when you hear this name. Let's talk about this simply, in a way that you can understand, as if you were talking to a close friend.
Simply put, what is IBD?
IBD is a chronic inflammation of your digestive system, or gastrointestinal tract. Imagine if you had a skin lesion that turned red, swollen, and painful, right? That's what happens inside your intestines. This inflammation can damage your intestines.
What's special about this is that the symptoms aren't always the same.
- Flare-up: This is when symptoms become more severe. Stomach pain and bloating can be very severe during this time.
- Remission: This is the period when symptoms have decreased or disappeared. During this period, you can live normally without any problems.
The most important thing is that IBD is a lifelong condition. There is no cure for it yet. But, don't panic when you hear that. If you manage it properly and use medication, you can definitely control this disease and live a normal life.
What are the two main types of IBD?
Although IBD is called that, there are two main types within it. There are slight differences between the two. Let's see what they are.
| Name of the disease | The main places of influence | Simply put... |
|---|---|---|
| Crohn's Disease | It can occur anywhere in the digestive system (from the mouth to the anus), but most commonly affects the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine. | The inflammation can go deep into the intestinal wall, and diseased areas can be found in between healthy areas. |
| Ulcerative Colitis (UC) | Limited to the colon and rectum. | In this case, the inflammation occurs only in the innermost layer of the intestine. The inflammation starts in the rectum and spreads continuously throughout the large intestine. |
What are the common symptoms of IBD?
A person with IBD may experience one or more of these symptoms. But remember, these symptoms do not occur in the same way for everyone. Some people may experience very severe symptoms, while others may experience very mild symptoms.
- Abdominal pain: A pain that feels like something is twisting in the stomach.
- Chronic Diarrhea: Passing loose, watery stools several times a day.
- Blood in the stool: Blood may appear as streaks in the stool or be mixed with blood in the stool.
- Weight loss for no reason: Even though you eat well, you lose weight.
- Fatigue: Feeling of being too tired to do anything .
- The food is tasteless.
- Fever.
Why do we actually get IBD? What is the cause?
No single specific cause has been found yet, but doctors believe it is caused by a combination of factors.
Simply put, the immune system, which protects our body from disease, makes a small mistake . It thinks the healthy cells in our own intestines are "enemies" and starts attacking them. This attack causes inflammation in the intestines.
The following things can contribute to this kind of error:
1. Genetics: If a close family member (mother, father, sibling) has IBD, you have a small risk of developing it too. But it doesn't mean you will definitely develop it.
2. Environmental factors: Certain factors can stimulate this immune system malfunction. We call these "Triggers" .
Common Triggers
These things don't cause IBD, but if you have IBD, they can cause symptoms to worsen (flare-up) .
- Some painkillers: Especially NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). For example, drugs like Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Diclofenac.
- Some types of antibiotics .
- Smoking: Crohn's disease can be especially severe in people who smoke.
- Stress: Although stress does not cause the disease, it can have a significant impact on worsening symptoms.
Does food and drink worsen IBD symptoms?
This is a question that many people ask. Food does not cause IBD. Keep that in mind.
However, some foods and drinks may make your symptoms worse. This is not the same for everyone, and varies from person to person. You need to do some research to find out what foods are bothering you. Here are some foods that can generally make your symptoms worse:
- Milk and dairy foods
- Foods high in oil and fat (fried foods)
- Carbonated drinks (soft drinks)
- Caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea)
- Alcohol
- Some vegetables and fruits that are high in fiber (Fiber)
It's important to talk to your doctor or dietitian before completely eliminating these foods from your diet, as it's also important to get the nutrition your body needs.
What other complications can occur due to IBD?
If IBD is not properly controlled, other health problems can develop over time. Don't be afraid, the most important thing is to be aware of these.
- Colon Cancer: People with long-term IBD have a slightly higher risk of developing colon cancer than the general population. That's why it's important to get tested regularly, as your doctor recommends.
- Perforated Bowel: Inflammation can weaken the intestinal wall and cause a hole to form.
- Toxic Megacolon: This is an emergency condition. The colon becomes very swollen and enlarged.
- Anemia: Bleeding from the intestines and improper absorption of nutrients can cause a decrease in blood volume in the body.
- Osteoporosis: Some medications and nutritional deficiencies can cause bones to become weak.
- Other parts of the body can also be affected, such as joint pain, skin problems, and eye inflammation .
How does a doctor diagnose IBD?
When you go to see a doctor, he or she will first ask you about your symptoms in detail. Then they will examine your body. To confirm whether you have IBD, they may order one or more of the following tests:
- Blood Tests: Check for anemia or inflammation.
- Stool Tests: Check for infections or blood in the stool.
- Endoscopy / Colonoscopy: This is the most important test. A small camera-equipped tube is inserted through the mouth or rectum and the inside of the colon is viewed on a screen. A small piece of tissue (biopsy) may also be taken for examination.
- CT Scan / MRI Scan: These scans help to obtain detailed images of the intestines and surrounding organs.
What are the treatments for IBD?
There are two main goals of IBD treatment.
1. Reducing inflammation in the gut and controlling symptoms (bringing it into remission).
2. Stopping flare-ups.
This is mainly done using medications and, in some cases, surgery.
Medication
The type of medication you are given depends on whether you have Crohn's or UC, the severity of the disease, and the part of the intestine that is affected.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs: These are the medications given in the initial stages.
- Corticosteroids: These are powerful steroids that control inflammation. However, they are not used long-term.
- Immunosuppressants: These help control the overactivity of the immune system.
- Biologics: These are newer types of medications that target and deactivate proteins in the immune system that cause inflammation.
- Antibiotics : These are given in cases of infection.
Surgery
If medication is not enough to control the disease, or if severe complications occur, your doctor may recommend surgery, which involves removing the damaged part of the intestine.
How to live with IBD? What you can do
Living with IBD can be challenging at times. Things like stomach cramps and running to the bathroom can be uncomfortable, embarrassing, and even depressing. However, there are many things you can do to help manage the condition.
- Pay attention to your diet: Keep a record of what you eat and whether your symptoms worsen after eating them. This is called a 'Food Diary'.
- Manage stress: Stress can worsen symptoms. You can reduce stress by doing things like meditation, yoga, or engaging in a hobby you enjoy.
- Be prepared for emergencies: When you go out, keep extra underwear, tissues, and baby wipes in your bag. It will give you a lot of peace of mind.
- Tell someone you trust: It's important to tell someone in your family or your best friend about your situation. It can be a big help during difficult times.
- Quit smoking completely: This is very important. Smoking worsens the disease.
- Get psychological support: IBD can sometimes cause conditions like depression. There is nothing to be ashamed of, and talking to a psychiatrist or counselor can be a great source of strength.
- See your doctor regularly: Even when you don't have symptoms, go for checkups on the days your doctor tells you.
When to seek immediate medical advice
IBD can usually be managed with medication and lifestyle changes, but in some cases, immediate medical attention is essential.
| Opportunity | What to do |
|---|---|
| If your symptoms (flare-ups) are getting worse and cannot be controlled with your usual medications. | See your regular doctor . |
| Go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately! | |
| |
IBD and IBS are two different conditions. In IBD, there is inflammation in the intestines, but in IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), there is no such inflammation. Although the symptoms of the two are similar, the causes and treatments are completely different. Therefore, it is very important to see a doctor rather than self-diagnose.
Take-Home Message
- IBD is a lifelong condition that causes inflammation of the intestines. However, it can be successfully managed and you can live a good life.
- Identify triggers that increase your symptoms. These can be foods or stress.
- Never ignore symptoms. Talk openly with your doctor about everything.
- Even during periods of symptom-free remission, be sure to go for the tests and check-ups prescribed by your doctor.
- You are not alone in this journey. Your family, friends, and doctors are there to help you. Don't hesitate to seek psychological support if you need it.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න