Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, is an inflammatory condition that affects the digestive tract. Two types of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Living with inflammatory bowel disease can be scary, but there are treatment options available. Here you will learn about:
• The symptoms, causes of, and treatments for Crohn’s disease
• How celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis are alike and how they are different
• Common causes of stomach pain, and when to talk to your doctor
• The symptoms, causes, and treatments for ulcerative colitis
• IBD and pregnancy
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps and pain
- Rectal bleeding
- Anemia
- Weight loss
- Fatigue, weakness
- Nausea
- Fever
- Mouth sores
- Skin rash
- Joint pain
- Abscesses in the abdomen and perianal area
Diagnosing Crohn's Disease: What You Need to Know
To diagnose Crohn's disease, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include:- Blood tests
- Stool examination
- Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to identify abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract or internal organs
- Colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy to examine the lining of the colon and the small intestine
- Upper endoscopy/enteroscopy to examine the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine
- Biopsy to test a small sample of the gastrointestinal lining
Treatment Options for Crohn's Disease
Medicines
Many types of medicines are available for treatment, such as:- Aminosalicylate medicines
- Antibiotics/probiotics
- Corticosteroids
- Immunomodulators
- TNF-inhibitors
- Other biologic treatments
Dietary Changes
Your doctor may recommend that you avoid foods that provoke symptoms. Those foods are different for each person, but may include:- Dairy foods (due to lactose intolerance)
- Highly seasoned foods
- High fiber foods
Surgery
Very severe cases of Crohn's disease may not improve with medicines and can even cause added complications such as:- A narrowing of the intestines
- A bowel obstruction
- Fistula (abnormal connections between the intestine and other organs or tissue)
New Cutting-Edge Therapy
Groundbreaking research from the UPMC Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, part of the UPMC Digestive Disorders Center, has shown that treating patients with very specific medicines following bowel resection surgery can keep Crohn's disease from recurring. For more information about Crohn's disease, visit the UPMC Digestive Disorders Center online or call 1-866-4GASTRO (442-7876) to schedule an appointment. " ["post_title"]=> string(47) "Crohn's Disease Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(151) "Learn about Crohn's disease, an inflammatory bowel disease. Discover the symptoms and treatment options for Crohn's, including cutting-edge technology." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(32) "crohns-symptoms-causes-treatment" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-08-19 12:25:28" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-08-19 16:25:28" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(59) "https://wordpress-healthbeat-dev.azurewebsites.net/?p=48421" ["menu_order"]=> int(980) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } ["medical_description"]=> string(281) "Crohn’s disease is a severe type of IBD that can cause ulcers, inflammation, and bleeding in your digestive tract. Treatment for Crohn’s disease can range depending on how serious it. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for living with Crohn’s disease. " }Crohn’s Disease Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Crohn’s disease is a severe type of IBD that can cause ulcers, inflammation, and bleeding in your digestive tract. Treatment for Crohn’s disease can range depending on how serious it. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for living with Crohn’s disease.Read More
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Weight loss
- Nausea
- Fatigue
Treating Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is chronic and there is no known cure. People living with Celiac disease must consume a gluten-free diet in order to eliminate symptoms. Gluten is sometimes hidden in processed foods so those with Celiac are advised to always check nutrition labels and ingredients. However, a person should not begin a gluten-free diet without being diagnosed.RELATED: Infographic: Managing Celiac Disease With a Gluten-Free Diet
What Is Crohn's Disease?
Crohn's disease is a severe, chronic inflammatory bowel disease. It causes inflammation, ulcers, and bleeding in the digestive tract.Causes of Crohn's Disease
The cause of Crohn's disease is unknown, but like other inflammatory bowel diseases, it seems to run in some families. Some research links Crohn's disease to an overactive and inappropriate immune response to the bacteria that normally reside in the intestine, causing damage to the intestines.Crohn's Disease Symptoms
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps and pain
- Rectal bleeding
- Anemia
- Weight loss
- Fatigue, weakness
- Nausea
- Fever
- Mouth sores
- Sores, abscesses in the anal area
Did You Know?
There are about 700,000 people currently living with Crohn's Disease.Crohn's Disease Treatment
Your doctor may recommend that you avoid foods that provoke symptoms, including:- Dairy foods (due to lactose intolerance)
- Highly seasoned foods
- High-fiber foods
- Other biologic treatments
RELATED: Crohn's Disease: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestive disorder that leads to abdominal pain and bowel changes. It is the most common intestinal problem that causes patients to be referred to a bowel specialist (gastroenterologist).Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
The reasons why IBS develops are not clear, but it can occur after an infection of the intestines. Another trigger may be stress. Signals go back and forth between the bowel and brain, which affect bowel function and symptoms. The nerves can become more active during stress, which can cause the intestines to be more sensitive and contract more. IBS is twice as common in women, affecting 1 in 6 women.Irritable Bowl Syndrome Symptoms
- Abdominal pain
- Gas
- Fullness
- Bloating
Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Lifestyle changes can help in some cases of IBS. For example, regular exercise and improved sleep habits may reduce anxiety and help relieve bowel symptoms. The following dietary changes may help:- Avoid foods and drinks that stimulate the intestines, such as caffeine, tea, or cola
- Eat smaller meals
- Increase fiber in the diet – this may improve constipation, but make bloating worse.
Infographic: Comparing 3 Common Digestive Disorders
Not all digestive disorders are the same. Celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and irritable bowel syndrome are three types of common disorders and each needs to be treated differently. It’s important to understand your symptoms and how diet, lifestyle, and genetics play a role in how your disease affects you.View Infographic
- Gas: Formed in the stomach and intestines as your body breaks down food, this can cause general stomach pain and cramps. This often can be indicated by belching or flatulence.
- Bloating: Related to gas, this occurs when excessive gas builds up in your digestive tract. Your stomach will usually feel full, and you may experience cramps.
- Constipation: This occurs when you are having difficulty making bowel movements. If you are having two or fewer bowel movements a week, constipation is the likely cause. In addition to feeling bloated and nauseous, you may experience cramping and pain in your rectum.
- Indigestion: You typically experience this as an upset stomach, burning, or belly pain after eating.
- Stomach flu: Your stomach may hurt before each episode of vomiting or diarrhea.
Severe Stomach Pain
In serious cases, the stomach pain gets worse or becomes constant. This may be an indication of a more severe condition, such as:- Appendicitis: This happens when the appendix, which is part of the large intestine, becomes infected and inflamed. If the appendix ruptures, it can become life-threatening. Surgery to remove the appendix, an appendectomy, is the usual treatment.
- Stomach (peptic) ulcers: Crater-like sores in the lining of the stomach and small intestine. These can bleed or burst and be life-threatening if not treated. Medication to reduce your stomach acid can help treat them.
- Gallstones: Hard stones, made up of cholesterol and other materials, that form in the gallbladder, which is just below the liver. They can cause inflammation of the gallbladder, which can lead to inflammation – known as acute cholecystitis. Treatment for these problems includes removal of the gallbladder.
- Kidney stones: Crystals of varying sizes that form in your urine and build up in your kidneys. The pain can be severe. You can pass some on your own through urination, or doctors may remove them surgically.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): A chronic inflammation in the digestive tract that can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and rectal bleeding. Examples of IBD include Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
- Pancreatitis: The pancreas produces insulin and glucagon – the two hormones that manage how your body processes sugar – and aids in digestion. Inflammation of the pancreas is called pancreatitis, which can affect its performance and cause severe stomach pain.
- Hernia: Tissue from inside the abdomen that bulges out through a weak point in the abdominal wall. There are several different types depending on where the bulge appears.
- Upper right: Gallstones, cholecystitis, stomach ulcer, duodenal ulcer, hepatitis
- Upper center: Heartburn/indigestion, hiatal hernia, epigastric hernia, stomach ulcer, duodenal ulcer, hepatitis
- Upper left: Functional dyspepsia, stomach ulcer, gastritis, pancreatitis
- Middle right: Kidney stones, kidney infection, inflammatory bowel disease, constipation
- Middle center: Umbilical hernia, appendicitis, stomach ulcer, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis
- Middle left: Kidney stones, kidney infection, inflammatory bowel disease, constipation
- Lower right: Appendicitis, inflammatory bowel disease, constipation, pelvic pain
- Lower center: Bladder infection, prostatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, inguinal hernia, pelvic pain
- Lower left: Constipation, diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, pelvic pain, inguinal hernia
When to Seek Medical Help
According to Dr. Kingsley at UPMC, you should call your primary care physician if mild pain lasts more than a couple of days, or if the severe stomach pain is accompanied by other symptoms.When to seek immediate medical attention
Get medical help immediately if:- You have abdominal pain that is very sharp, severe, and sudden.
- You also have pain in the chest, neck, or shoulder.
- You’re vomiting blood, have bloody diarrhea, or have black, tarry stools (melena)
- You have a high fever.
- You’re having difficulty breathing.
- You develop consistent nausea and/or vomiting.
- Your abdomen is stiff, hard, and tender to the touch.
- You can’t move your bowels, especially if you’re also vomiting
When to make an appointment to see your doctor
Schedule an appointment to see your doctor if:- Your stomach pain doesn’t go away within a couple of days.
- The pain comes back after going away.
- Symptoms like diarrhea don’t go away within a couple of days.
- You’re urinating more or less often, and/or it’s painful.
- You have unintended weight loss.
Stomach Pain: When to Worry About Stomach Ache
Stomach aches are common – especially after a big meal. But when is a stomach pain something to worry about? Harmless aches and pains usually fade within a few hours, but pain that lasts more than a few days could be something more serious. Learn more about the many types of stomach conditions and when to call your doctor.Read More
- Diarrhea
- Loose, bloody stool
- Cramping stomach pains
- See your primary care doctor who will review your medical and family history.
- If he/she suspects UC, you will need to see a gastroenterologist.
- To diagnose UC, a colonoscopy with biopsies of inflamed colon is often needed.
How Is Ulcerative Colitis Treated?
Treatment focuses on regulating your immune system by suppressing its strong activity. Medications that suppress the immune system are the primary treatments options. Choice of medications varies depending on severity of symptoms, the severity of disease on inspection of your colon during colonoscopy, and your doctor's experience.Ulcerative colitis medication
These medications include:- Aminosalicylate medicine
- Corticosteroids (should be used for short term only given the significant side effects)
- Immunomodulators
- TNF-inhibitors
- Other biologic medications
- Diary products
- Spicy food
- High roughage
- Vegetables
- Foods rich in fructose
RELATED: 5 Foods to Avoid if You Have Troubles with Your Digestive System
Do not forget that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen can worsen UC. Finally, do not forget that UC is a life-long disease that can often be complicated. Please consult with an experienced GI specialist.Living With Ulcerative Colitis
It's important to follow your treatment regimen and stay on top of your symptoms to help lessen flare-ups. Sometimes people with ulcerative colitis feel embarrassed or worried about going out with friends when having symptoms. Be open with friends and family about the condition and how you feel. Support groups can also help you connect with other people who have the same struggles. The UPMC Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Center has a comprehensive team of gastroenterologists, surgeons, psychiatrists, dietitians, social workers, nurses, and more, that are dedicated to treating all aspects of IBD. To learn more, visit the Digestive Disorders Center website, call 1-866-4GASTRO (427876) or email DigestiveDisorders@upmc.edu. " ["post_title"]=> string(27) "What Is Ulcerative Colitis?" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(152) "Ulcerative colitis is part of a group of diseases called inflammatory bowel disease. It's causes inflammation in the colon leading to pain and diarrhea." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(31) "what-is-ulcerative-colitis-mm05" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2018-08-29 13:50:07" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-08-29 13:50:07" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(59) "https://wordpress-healthbeat-dev.azurewebsites.net/?p=73841" ["menu_order"]=> int(622) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } ["medical_description"]=> string(270) "Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that can be tough to live with and embarrassing to talk about. Causes of UC can include the environment, food, and genetics, but there are treatments available. Learn more about UC symptoms and treatments. " }What Is Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that can be tough to live with and embarrassing to talk about. Causes of UC can include the environment, food, and genetics, but there are treatments available. Learn more about UC symptoms and treatments.Read More
- Premature delivery
- Miscarriage
- Low birth weight
IBD medications during and prior to pregnancy
Many medications for Crohn's and ulcerative colitis are safe during pregnancy. Your doctor will work with you to alter any medications that pose risks to you or your baby, while still keeping your symptoms under control. Methotrexate is not safe during pregnancy. It's best that you stop taking methotrexate before trying to conceive. This drug can also pose risks if the baby's father is taking methotrexate. For the safest pregnancy, he should talk to his doctor about alternative medications while you are attempting to get pregnant.After Pregnancy
Moms with IBD may feel conflicted about whether to breastfeed after the baby is born. It is possible to breastfeed, even when you are on medications to manage your symptoms. Aminosalicylates are considered safe during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Many antibiotics are also safe, but some can pose serious risks, so be sure to let your doctor know if you want to breastfeed. Breastfeeding offers great benefits to your baby, but it will require that you stay on top of your symptoms and your medications. Talk with your doctor about your decision so that you can find the combination with the least risks. You may also be worried about passing along IBD to your child. When only one parent has IBD, there's very little increased risk of developing ulcerative colitis or Crohn's over someone whose parent doesn't have either disease. The risk is a bit higher if both parents have some form of IBD. Overall, you can feel comfortable having a safe pregnancy despite your IBD, especially when in remission." ["post_title"]=> string(46) "Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Pregnancy" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(146) "It's common to feel concerned about becoming pregnant when you have IBD. You can have a safe, healthy pregnancy when your disease is in remission." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(22) "ibd-and-pregnancy-mm05" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2020-11-23 08:52:31" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2020-11-23 13:52:31" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(59) "https://wordpress-healthbeat-dev.azurewebsites.net/?p=73831" ["menu_order"]=> int(620) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } ["medical_description"]=> string(438) "If you’re hoping to become pregnant but have inflammatory bowel disease, you might wonder how your condition could affect your baby, and how your baby could affect your condition. There are ways to stay safe and healthy, and it’s important to find out what is best for you. Planning your pregnancy, keeping in close contact with your gastroenterologist, and knowing what to do after pregnancy are some key steps to lowering risks. " }Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Pregnancy
If you’re hoping to become pregnant but have inflammatory bowel disease, you might wonder how your condition could affect your baby, and how your baby could affect your condition. There are ways to stay safe and healthy, and it’s important to find out what is best for you. Planning your pregnancy, keeping in close contact with your gastroenterologist, and knowing what to do after pregnancy are some key steps to lowering risks.Read More
