Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
What is it?
A chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
IBD is a term used to describe two conditions: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis are both long-term conditions that involve the inflammation of the gut.
Ulcerative Colitis affects the colon (large intestine) and rectum. Usually the inner lining of the bowel is inflamed.
Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive system, from the mouth to the anus. It is most common in the small intestine or colon. All layers of the lining of the bowel may become inflamed.
People of any age can get IBD
Symptoms
IBD can cause symptoms such as diarrhoea, abdominal pain and bloating. If the small intestine is affected, the inflammation can also hinder the body’s ability to digest food and absorb nutrients. Symptoms vary greatly, dependent upon site of inflammatory lesions.
Patients may present:
-Rectal bleeding
-Abdominal pain
-Cramping
-Diarrhoea
Why does it happen?
The cause is unknown, however researchers now believe that IBD is caused by a combination of factors: the genes a person has inherited, alongside an abnormal reaction of the immune system (the body’s protection system against harmful substances) to certain bacteria in the intestines, probably triggered by something in the environment.
Diagnosis
Blood & Stool Tests
Blood tests can show whether you have inflammation somewhere in your body and whether you are anaemic. They can also show whether you are getting the correct vitamins and minerals, and check whether organs such as your liver and kidneys are functioning correctly.
Endoscopies
Endoscopy is the general name for a type of test which allows a specialist doctor or nurse (an endoscopist) to look directly at the inside of the digestive system, using an endoscope.
X-rays
There are lots of different types of x-rays used in IBD. Plain abdominal x-rays may be used in an emergency or in initially diagnosing people with IBD.
Ultrasounds
Ultrasound scanners work by using very high frequency sound waves to create an image.
MRI Scans
MRI scans are used to produce cross sectional images of the body. They are being increasingly used to investigate IBD, particularly in children, because they avoid the use of x-rays.
Is there a cure?
While you may come across a number of diets claiming to cure IBD, the majority of these do not have sufficient evidence to support their claims. But there is considerable evidence that specific aspects of nutrition are important in IBD. Please seek your dietitian for nutrition advice.
As with any ongoing health condition, it is vital to keep well nourished. So, it is important to eat as healthy and balanced as possible.
Helpful tips you can start doing
1) Get a diagnosis.
2) Contact a nutritionist for further guidance and management of IBD.
What to expect?
Hydrolysed diet is a common treatment when having IBD. Replacement of all food and drink with liquid formula or parental nutrition for 2-4 weeks has been shown to be effective in inducing remission.
Alternatively, corticosteroids (Steroids), are also a common medicine for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.
There are other Immunosuppressant medicines that help control the immune system to stop it attacking the gut and this can be discussed with your specialist.
Other important facts
Due to the increased diarrhoea and faecal losses there is an increased malabsorption of some vitamins and minerals- Iron (FE), Magnesium (Mg) Zinc (Zn) and B12.
Corticosteroids medicine have long term adverse effects like bone demineralization, growth retardation in children and decrease BMI.