Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Age

IBD can occur at any age, but it is most often diagnosed in individuals below 30 years. However, some people develop the disease much later.

Genetics and Family History

Individuals with a close family member with IBD are at a higher risk of developing the condition.

Environmental Factors

Factors like diet, lifestyle, and pollution can influence it. Diets rich in fat and sugar, lack of sunlight causing vitamin D deficiency, and sedentary habits are considered environmental risk factors in IBD.

Immune System Dysfunction

Immune response abnormalities to gut flora are thought to be a factor in IBD. The immune system may wrongly attack GI tract cells, causing chronic inflammation.

Physical Examination

The doctor will check for bloating in the abdomen, listen to sounds within the abdomen using a stethoscope, and palpate certain areas to identify pain or tenderness.

Blood Tests

Blood tests are used to look for signs of inflammation or anaemia, which is common in IBD. These tests can reveal high levels of white blood cells or low levels of red blood cells, indicating an inflammatory process or bleeding.

Imaging Scans

Imaging scans such as CT scans, MRI scans, and X-rays allow doctors to see detailed images of the GI tract. This helps identify areas of inflammation, blockages, or other abnormalities and determine the extent and location of the disease.

Stool Tests

Stool tests help detect the presence of blood, pathogens, or markers of inflammation in the digestive tract. They can differentiate between IBD and infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites that may cause similar symptoms.

Endoscopy

Procedures like colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy involve inserting a flexible tube with a camera into the rectum to visually examine the colon and end of the small intestine. Tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken during these procedures to look for signs of inflammation and ulceration characteristic of IBD.

Medications

Medications are crucial for managing IBD by reducing inflammation and preventing flare-ups. They include aminosalicylates for mild to moderate symptoms, corticosteroids for acute flare-ups, and immunomodulators or biologics for severe cases, aiding in symptom control and remission.

Lifestyle and Dietary Changes

Lifestyle changes, like adjusting diet, can greatly help manage IBD symptoms. Patients should avoid trigger foods, reduce stress, and exercise regularly. These adjustments enhance well-being and lessen flare-ups.

Bowel Obstruction

IBD can cause parts of the bowel to narrow due to inflammation and scar tissue, leading to blockages that prevent the passage of digested food.

Fistulas

Particularly common in Crohn's disease, fistulas are abnormal connections that can form between different parts of the intestine or between the intestine and other organs.

Risk of Colon Cancer

Individuals with IBD, especially those with a long history of ulcerative colitis, have an increased risk of developing colon cancer.

Perforation and Toxic Megacolon

In severe cases of ulcerative colitis, the colon may become so inflamed that it tears (perforation) or rapidly expands and fails to expel gas or stool (toxic megacolon), both of which are medical emergencies.