About three million Americans struggle with some type of inflammatory bowel disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this condition is an umbrella term for two chronic inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, namely ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Chronic inflammation could cause severe damage to the gastrointestinal tract if it remains untreated. To treat or avoid inflammatory bowel disease San Antonio, it is essential to understand the symptoms, identify the risk factors, and comprehend the diagnostic process. Continue reading to learn this and much more.

What Are The Different Types Of Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

These are the two forms of inflammatory bowel disease:

v Ulcerative Colitis

Patients with ulcerative colitis have swelling and ulcers along the colon and rectum linings.

v Crohn’s illness

Patients with Crohn’s illness may experience swelling anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus. Nonetheless, this disorder frequently impacts the portion of the small intestine directly before the colon.

What Are The Common Symptoms Of Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

Typical warning signs of IBD to watch out for include:

•       Chronic Diarrhea
•       Severe Weight Loss
•       Rectal Hemorrhage with Bloody Stool
•       Diminished appetite
•       Fatigue

What Are The Risk Factors For IBD?

Though IBD could affect anybody, certain groups are more susceptible. Most individuals suffer from inflammatory bowel disease before they reach 30 years. Nevertheless, some people develop IBD in their 50s and 60s. Moreover, like with numerous other illnesses, having an immediate relative with IBD could also increase your susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease.

What Are Causes Of IBD?

Even if many assumed that nutrition and stress were responsible for inflammatory bowel disease, the specific causes are still unknown. Researchers speculate that one is a dysfunction of the immune system.

Physicians at the non-profit medical research organization (Mayo Clinic) hypothesize that once your immunity attempts to ward off an invading bacterium or virus, an aberrant immunological response prompts the immune system also to target the cells in one’s digestive system. Other researchers believe that genetics could also be a contributing factor.

How To Diagnose IBD?

Gastroenterologist Dr. Robert Narvaez and his staff at Digestive & Liver Disease Center of San Antonio PLLC will propose various diagnostic procedures, including a colonoscopy and endoscopy, to identify inflammatory bowel disease.

Endoscopy includes inserting a tiny tube with a light and camera into your digestive tract. This technology allows the doctor to observe bleeding, ulcers, and other indicators of IBD.

Throughout a colonoscopy, your physician will watch video feeds of the rectum and colon to detect ulcers or inflammation. Other diagnostic procedures might include contrast radiography, blood tests, stool samples, CT scans, or MRIs.

What Are The Care Options For IBD?

While there is no conclusive way to avoid IBD, you could minimize your risk by consuming a wholesome, nutrient-dense diet. Additionally, you should manage stress, stop smoking, and exercise regularly.

Nonetheless, if your doctor diagnoses you with IBD, various care options are available. Dr. Robert Narvaez suggests therapy based on the seriousness of your concern. These procedures include:

•       Medicines; antibiotics, anti-swelling drugs, biologics, etc. 
•       Surgery

Do not allow inflammatory bowel disease to go untreated. Otherwise, you risk more significant complications such as bowel obstruction, extreme dehydration, anal fissures, and even cancer. If you think you have IBD, reach out to the Digestive & Liver Disease Center. Dr. Robert Narvaez will examine your concerns and suggest the most appropriate therapy. Call the San Antonio, TX, office or book an appointment online.