Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a group of diseases characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Although its precise aetiology is unknown, it is believed to be caused by disorders of the immune system along with genetic and environmental factors.

Types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

1. Ulcerative Colitis (UC): Inflammation of colon, usually begins in the rectum
2. Crohn’s Disease: Inflammation that may occur anywhere along the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus

Symptoms

Symptoms of IBD vary depending on the location and severity of the inflammation. The common symptoms are as follows. 

• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Chronic diarrhea, stool containing mucus or blood
• Fever
• Fatigue, unintended weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Anemia
• Joint pain
• Skin rash
• Symptoms of liver complications 

Causes

IBD is caused by a combination of factors as follows.

• Immune system disorders: The immune system to attack the cells in the digestive tract, causing inflammation.
• Genetics: People with a family history of the disease are at higher risk.
• Environmental factors: Smoking, eating certain foods and taking certain medications may increase the risk.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of IBD involves history taking, physical examination and additional tests such as:

• Blood tests to check for anemia or inflammation
• Stool test to check for blood or infection
• Colonoscopy to determine the nature of inflammation and biopsy may be performed
• Computed Tomography (CT Scan) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to get an overview of the intestines

Treatments

Although there is no known cure for IBD, medication can manage and relieve symptoms, lower inflammation, and prevent complications. The available treatments options are as follows. 

• Medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, immunomodulators, steroids, biologic drugs
• Surgery in case where medications is ineffective or when a patient has serious complications
• Behavior modification such as eating soft foods, avoiding spicy foods and foods that may cause gas, drinking lots of water to prevent dehydration, regular exercise and enough rest

You should contact your doctor immediately for a proper diagnosis and treatment if you feel that your symptoms are related to chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Early intervention improves the possibility of disease management and lowers the risk of complications.