Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) encompasses a group of chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the digestive tract, primarily including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. These conditions involve immune system dysfunction where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the digestive tract, causing inflammation, damage, and various symptoms. At Blume Health, our gastroenterology team offers comprehensive management strategies for IBD patients.

Treatable Condition
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CausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentHome CarePreventionSurgery

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What Causes It?

Immune system malfunction where the body attacks its own digestive tract

Genetic factors and family history of IBD

Environmental triggers such as certain microbes, dietary factors, or medications

Alterations in the gut microbiome (the bacteria that live in the digestive tract)

Smoking (particularly a risk factor for Crohn's disease)

Stress (may trigger or worsen symptoms, though not a primary cause)

Certain medications like NSAIDs that may trigger flare-ups in susceptible individuals

Age (most commonly diagnosed before age 30)

Ethnicity (more common in Caucasians and people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent)

Urban living environments

Signs & Symptoms

Abdominal pain and cramping

Persistent diarrhea, often with blood or mucus

Fatigue and reduced energy levels

Unintended weight loss

Reduced appetite

Rectal bleeding

Urgent need to move bowels

Feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation

Fever during active inflammation

Night sweats

In Crohn's disease: mouth sores, anal fissures, or fistulas

Extra-intestinal symptoms: joint pain, eye inflammation, skin disorders, liver problems

How We Diagnose

Our specialists use advanced diagnostic methods to accurately identify and assess your condition

Colonoscopy and Upper Endoscopy

Visual examination of the colon, rectum, and upper digestive tract using a flexible tube with a camera. Allows direct visualization of inflammation, ulcers, and other abnormalities, and enables tissue biopsies for confirmatory testing.

Capsule Endoscopy

A swallowed camera capsule that captures images throughout the digestive tract, particularly useful for examining parts of the small intestine that can't be reached by conventional endoscopy.

CT Enterography and MR Enterography

Specialized imaging tests that provide detailed pictures of the small intestine to identify inflammation, strictures, fistulas, and other complications of IBD.

Laboratory Tests

Blood tests to check for anemia, infection, inflammation markers (ESR, CRP), and nutritional deficiencies. Stool tests to rule out infections and measure calprotectin, a protein indicating intestinal inflammation.

Treatment Options

Personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs and condition

1

Medications

Various drug therapies can help control inflammation and symptoms, including anti-inflammatory drugs (5-ASA compounds, corticosteroids), immunosuppressants (azathioprine, methotrexate), biologics (anti-TNF agents, anti-integrins, IL-12/23 inhibitors), and JAK inhibitors. Treatment is personalized based on disease type, severity, and individual factors.

2

Dietary Therapy

Nutritional approaches such as exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN), specific carbohydrate diet (SCD), or low FODMAP diet may help manage symptoms and inflammation in some patients. Our dietitians work closely with gastroenterologists to develop individualized dietary plans.

3

Antibiotics

Used in specific situations like perianal Crohn's disease, bacterial overgrowth, or complications such as abscesses. Commonly used antibiotics include metronidazole and ciprofloxacin.

Home Remedies

Stress Management

While stress doesn't cause IBD, it can trigger flares and worsen symptoms. Techniques such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, and regular physical activity can help manage stress levels.

Dietary Adjustments

Keeping a food diary to identify trigger foods, eating smaller, more frequent meals, staying hydrated, and avoiding problematic foods during flares (such as high-fiber foods, spicy foods, dairy if lactose intolerant, and carbonated beverages).

Probiotics

Some patients find relief with probiotic supplements that help restore beneficial gut bacteria. Effectiveness varies by individual, and it's important to discuss with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.

Heat Therapy

Applying a heating pad or hot water bottle to the abdomen may help relieve cramping and pain during flare-ups.

Adequate Rest

Ensuring sufficient sleep and rest periods, especially during disease flares when fatigue is common, can help the body recover and may improve overall well-being.

Prevention Tips

Regular follow-up appointments with your gastroenterologist to monitor disease activity

Adhering to prescribed medication regimens, even when feeling well

Routine colonoscopy for cancer surveillance, especially for ulcerative colitis patients

Proper vaccinations, as some IBD medications may affect immune function

Smoking cessation (particularly important for Crohn's disease)

Maintaining good nutrition and healthy weight

Bone density screening if on long-term steroid therapy

Mental health support and stress management

Regular exercise appropriate to your energy levels and symptoms

Prompt reporting of new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider

Surgical Solutions

Advanced surgical procedures performed by our expert specialists

Bowel Resection

Surgical removal of damaged portions of the intestine, typically performed when medication fails to control symptoms, or complications such as strictures, fistulas, or abscesses develop. For Crohn's disease, minimally invasive (laparoscopic) approaches are often used, preserving as much bowel as possible.

Colectomy for Ulcerative Colitis

Removal of the entire colon and rectum (proctocolectomy) which can effectively cure ulcerative colitis. This is typically followed by creation of an ileostomy (external pouch) or an internal pouch procedure (ileal pouch-anal anastomosis or IPAA) to collect waste.

Strictureplasty

A bowel-preserving procedure that widens narrowed sections (strictures) of the intestine without removing them. This is particularly important in Crohn's disease to preserve intestinal length and prevent short bowel syndrome.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Our specialists are here to provide expert care for inflammatory bowel disease (ibd). Schedule your consultation today.

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