Inflammatory Bowel Disease
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Whether you are diagnosed with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, they are both considered IBDs. With either, you may experience severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. Other symptoms can include fever, cramping, blood in your stool and reduced appetite.
Read more about these two common conditions below. See your doctor if you experience a persistent change in your bowel habits or if you have any of the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
Types of IBD
Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition that may recur at various times over your lifetime. It may affect any area of the gastrointestinal tract, but most commonly concentrates in the small intestine and colon.
Ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis causes long-lasting inflammation and sores in your digestive tract. While it has no known cure, treatment can reduce symptoms of the disease and even bring about long-term remission.
You may feel better eating several small meals a day rather than two or three larger ones. If you begin to lose weight or your diet has become very limited, talk to a registered dietitian.
Drink plenty of water daily. Alcohol and beverages that contain caffeine stimulate your intestines and can make diarrhea worse, while carbonated drinks frequently produce gas.
Because Crohn’s disease can interfere with your ability to absorb nutrients and because your diet may be limited, multivitamin and mineral supplements are often helpful. Check with your doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements.
Smoking increases your risk of developing Crohn’s disease and can contribute to relapses and a need for medication or surgery.
People who have the disease report symptom flares during high-stress periods.
If diet and lifestyle changes, drug therapy or other treatments don’t relieve your IBD symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgery.
LVPG Gastroenterology
Our experienced gastroenterology team is ready with compassion and the latest treatment options, recommended according to your individual needs.