Chronic inflammatory bowel disease: Unignored or Self-Treated

     Inflammatory bowel conditions are more common than we might think. While they can sometimes be triggered by processed foods, they may also arise from uncontrollable factors. If symptoms persist beyond frequent bowel movements and include bloody stools, it is not a normal condition that should be ignored or self-medicated.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

     Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a condition characterized by chronic inflammation in the digestive tract, affecting bowel movements and causing symptoms such as frequent diarrhea, mucus or blood in the stool, and abdominal cramps. IBD is generally classified into two main types:

Types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

1.  Ulcerative Colitis

     Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the lining of the colon, leading to ulcer formation. It typically begins in the rectum and may extend to other parts of the colon, depending on the severity. This inflammation causes bleeding in the intestines, leading to symptoms such as frequent diarrhea, abdominal cramps, mucus and blood in the stool, and unexplained weight loss.

Additionally, patients may experience fatigue due to the loss of fluids, nutrients, proteins, and blood, which can result in anemia.

2.  Crohn’s Disease

     Crohn’s disease is a form of inflammation that can occur anywhere along the digestive tract, from the mouth and esophagus to the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and rectum. The inflammation can penetrate deep into the intestinal muscle layers, potentially leading to severe complications such as intestinal obstruction or perforation.

Causes of Chronic IBD

The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, as multiple factors contribute to its development, including:

• Smoking
• Stress
• Immune system dysfunction
• Dietary triggers, such as dairy, caffeine, and alcohol
• Consumption of contaminated or unhygienic food
• Genetics Individuals with a family history of IBD have a 20% higher risk of developing the disease

Complications of IBD

     Prolonged intestinal inflammation increases the risk of severe complications, one of which is colorectal cancer. Some patients may also develop intestinal perforation, leading to intense abdominal pain and cramps.

Diagnosis of Chronic IBD

Diagnosis typically involves the following tests:

• Biopsy A tissue sample from the intestinal lining is collected via endoscopy for laboratory analysis.
• Blood Tests Used to assess inflammation markers, anemia, and possible infections.
• Stool Analysis Checks for white blood cells and proteins that indicate inflammation or infection.
• Colonoscopy A long, thin tube is inserted through the rectum to examine the intestines for abnormalities.
• CT Scan Provides detailed imaging to assess the extent of the disease and distinguish it from other conditions such as intestinal perforation.

The Treatment

• Medication Doctors prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, or biologic therapies targeting specific immune responses.
• Antibiotics Used in cases where infections are present in the digestive tract.
• Surgery In severe cases where medication fails to control symptoms and extensive damage occurs, surgical removal of the affected intestine (colectomy) may be necessary to preserve the patient’s health.

The Prevention of Chronic IBD

• Consume freshly cooked and hygienic meals.
• Wash hands before and after meals.
• Reduce intake of processed foods such as sausages, ice cream, cakes, and canned foods.
• Replace processed foods with high-fiber options like soft, mild-flavored fruits and vegetables.
• Undergo regular health check-ups, including colonoscopy, to detect abnormalities early.

Read More: How to Alleviate IBD Symptoms Through Diet