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People with Crohn’s disease commonly experience
abdominal cramps or pain, diarrhea, fever, intestinal ulcers,
and inflammation of other parts of the body. Crohn’s disease
most often occurs in the lower part of the small intestine where
it connects to the colon.
The level of severity in chronic colon
conditions differs for each individual. It can range from
minor symptoms and hardly any discomfort all the way to more
frequent diarrhea and severe intestinal pain. e second major
type of IBD called ulcerative colitis, affects only the
large intestine.
Like Crohn’s disease, the most common
symptoms are abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea, as well as
fatigue, weight loss, nausea, and loss of appetite. Often,
sufferers believe the problems are related to the stomach
due to the pain. Other common ailments include inflammation
of the joints, eye problems, and anemia due to blood loss.
There is a wide variety of diagnostic procedures
used to make the appropriate diagnosis of inflammatory bowel
disease, including blood tests, barium studies, and colonoscopy. The
colonoscopy allows the doctor to see any inflammation, bleeding, or
ulcers that may be on the wall of the colon. Another procedure used
to identify inflammatory bowel disease is an upper endoscopy. This
procedure is used to view the esophagus, stomach, and upper small
intestine. Samples may be removed for a biopsy that is helpful to
further analyze the affected tissue.
The exact cause of inflammatory bowel disease is not known. It is
believed that there may be a genetic link between relatives, and is
most likely to occur during the late teen years and twenties. The
best treatment for inflammatory bowel disease is a combination of
therapies that have proven to be effective for many patients with
the disorder. A special diet designed specifically to the special
needs of the individual based on his or her symptoms is the first
place to start.
Also, reducing stress and increasing rest
and relaxation are helpful. Certain medications may also be
prescribed to reduce inflammation and treat the possibility
of bacterial infections. The last resort is surgery if
symptoms are not controlled by medications and diet.
Living with inflammatory bowel disease IBD can be
difficult at times, but not impossible to overcome. Following the
doctor's advice and getting plenty of rest can go a long way in
treating the disorder. A supportive health care professional and a
positive attitude in addition to recommended treatments keep
symptoms under control so a normal lifestyle can be maintained.
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