About IBD
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encompasses conditions characterized by chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, but most commonly refers to two different conditions—Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s disease is a type of IBD that causes inflammation of your digestive tract. Left untreated, Crohn’s disease can lead to serious complications. Some individuals experience long periods between symptoms.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Abdominal cramps and pain
- Persistent diarrhea
- Rectal bleeding and bowel urgency
Ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a type of IBD that causes inflammation in the colon (large intestine). Left untreated, ulcerative colitis can lead to serious complications. Some individuals experience long periods between symptoms.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Loose and urgent bowel movements
- Bloody stool
- Abdominal cramps and pain
Crohn’s disease
Your doctor may perform a number of tests to confirm a Crohn’s disease diagnosis, including:
- Laboratory tests of blood and stool
- X-rays of upper and lower GI tract
- Endoscopy to get a detailed look at the intestines
- Colonoscopy: examines the colon, the lowest part of the large intestine
- Upper Endoscopy: examines the GI tract from the mouth to the beginning of the small intestine
- Small Intestine Imaging: used to examine difficult-to-see portions of intestines
Ulcerative colitis
Diagnosing ulcerative colitis involves different factors, including your medical history, a physical exam, and/or medical tests:
- Laboratory tests of blood and stool
- X-rays of upper and lower GI tract
- Endoscopy to examine the colon and rectum
- Sigmoidoscopy: examines the extent of inflammation in your lower colon/rectum
- Total Colonoscopy: examines the extent of inflammation in your entire colon
During the endoscopy, your doctor may:
- Take a biopsy of your colon or another area of your GI tract. This involves removing a small piece of tissue from the inside of the intestine for further testing and analysis.
- Use a technique called Chromoendoscopy, which is used to look for polyps and precancerous changes in the GI tract. The technique utilizes blue dye sprayed on the colon to highlight and detect slight changes in the lining of the intestine.
The ultimate goal of treatment is to help patients achieve and maintain remission.
