When left untreated, inflammatory bowel disease can lead to deadly complications.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) occurs when there is chronic inflammation in the digestive tract. About 3 million people in the United States are diagnosed with IBD each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
IBD can be a debilitating condition, but treatment can help alleviate these symptoms and help patients avoid potentially life-threatening complications.
IBD is a general term that describes an array of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are the two main types of IBD.
Ulcerative colitis occurs when sores, or ulcers, form along the lining of the large intestine and the final part of the colon (also known as the rectum).
Similarly, Crohn's disease involves the chronic inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract. However, with Crohn's disease, this inflammation can affect the deeper layers of the digestive tract and the small intestine is typically affected as well. Though uncommon, Crohn's disease can sometimes affect the large intestine and the upper gastrointestinal tract.
Research indicates the prevalence of IBD has increased in recent decades. The CDC reported 1.8 million U.S. adults had IBD in 1999, whereas about 3.1 million U.S. adults were estimated to have the disease in 2015.
Medical research has found inflammatory bowel disease is more prevalent among certain sociodemographic subgroups than others. As an example, IBD is more common in adults ages 45 and younger, and significantly more common among non-Hispanic whites than other racial and ethnic subgroups.
Experts remain unsure of the exact cause of IBD. At one time, some people theorized the condition could be triggered by diet and stress. However, Mayo Clinic has since reported these factors are now believed to agitate the condition rather than cause it.
More recently, some medical experts have theorized that inflammatory bowel disease may be the result of an immune system malfunction in which the immune system attacks cells in the digestive tract to try to eradicate invading viruses or bacteria. More research must be conducted before this theory can be conclusively proved.
Though the cause of IBD is unclear, we do know there are certain factors that put an individual at greater risk for developing the disease.
Risk factors for inflammatory bowel disease include:
Taking certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Medical research published in 2016 reported that a number of genes may indicate susceptibility to developing inflammatory bowel disease. Identifying these genetic variants may help researchers define a specific genotype for IBD, which could lead experts to potential targeted therapies for the disease.
Studies that examine genetic links to IBD have confirmed that microbial and environmental factors seem to play a significant role in the disease.
Inflammatory bowel disease symptoms can vary widely depending on the location and severity of the flare-up. The type of IBD, typically ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, can determine which type of symptoms a person may have.
Some of the most common IBD symptoms include:
IBD symptoms commonly cycle through periods of flare-ups and remission. During a flare-up, symptoms often become more severe.
If you experience symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, be sure to consult your doctor right away. Seeking treatment early is essential to avoid serious complications.
Generally speaking, men and women are affected by IBD equally. However, most U.S. studies show ulcerative colitis is more prevalent in men than in women. Men in their 50s and 60s are more likely than women to be diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, according to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation.
Among other symptoms, both men and women may experience sexual dysfunction as a result of poor gut health.
Research reports that symptoms may become more severe for women during menstruation. Additionally, women who are otherwise fertile may experience weakened fertility during flare-ups. Most medical experts recommend a woman wait until she is in IBD remission for six months before becoming pregnant. Conceiving or being pregnant during an IBD flare-up increases the risk of pregnancy complications, including miscarriage, developmental problems and stillbirth.
If you notice any persistent changes in your bowel movements or you have any signs or symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, be sure to talk to your doctor. While IBD typically isn't fatal, it is still a serious condition which can lead to life-threatening complications when left untreated.
If you're experiencing IBD symptoms, your doctor will likely perform a physical exam and run some tests before confirming the diagnosis. These tests typically include lab work to determine if a patient has anemia or signs of bacterial or viral infection. A stool study may be done to determine if any hidden parasites are present.
After these tests, if inflammatory bowel disease hasn't been ruled out, your doctor will likely perform an endoscopic procedure to view the inside of the digestive tract and determine if, where and how much inflammation is present.
Endoscopic procedures include:
Your doctor will choose a procedure based on your symptoms, lab work and personal history.
The objective of IBD treatment is to reduce the source of the symptoms and complications, that is, the inflammation in the digestive tract. This treatment typically comes in the form of drug therapy or surgery, or in some cases, both.
Drug therapy may involve anti-inflammatory medication, immune system suppressors, biologics and antibiotics. Additional products, such as antidiarrheal medication, over-the-counter pain medication, vitamins and supplements, may be used to address symptoms.
Though surgery is not always necessary for individuals with inflammatory bowel disease, it may be required if diet and lifestyle changes, medication or other treatments don't rein in IBD symptoms.
Unfortunately, there's no surefire way to prevent IBD, but there are certain steps you can take to manage your risk level:
If you experience a flare-up, be sure to meet with your doctor to discuss treatment options right away. Finding the right treatment not only helps relieve acute symptoms but also helps you achieve long-term remission.
Clinical trials are a critical step toward the continued advancement of medical research. These trials are often used to investigate and assess potential cures, treatments and prevention methods for diseases and conditions such as IBD.
You should conduct plenty of research, consult your doctor and loved ones, and take the time to consider what's best for you before becoming a participant in a clinical trial.
A list of active and recruiting clinical trials is available at clinicaltrials.gov.
Having a good understanding of inflammatory bowel disease begins with education. No one knows it all, but by cross-referencing resources online and developing questions for your primary healthcare provider, your path to a healthy life with IBD can be more positive.
Here are some good online resources to begin your journey:
Though symptoms can vary based on the location and severity of an IBD flare-up, common symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, unintentional weight loss, reduced appetite and rectal bleeding. If you experience any of these symptoms, be sure to consult your doctor right away.
The exact cause of IBD remains unknown, but experts believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors plays a role in the disease. Flare-ups may be triggered by poor diet and stress.
When you have IBD, you may experience cycles of flare-ups and remission. During flare-ups, the digestive tract becomes inflamed, which can lead to sometimes-debilitating symptoms and serious complications when left untreated.
