Symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease We Need to be Alarmed About

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) refers to a group of disorders that cause chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, particularly the intestines. Inflammation of the intestinal wall can develop into ulcers (sores) that, over time, may cause serious damage to the digestive system. This condition significantly affects a person's quality of life due to symptoms that not only disrupt daily activities but also pose the risk of long-term complications if left untreated.

This disease is categorized as an autoimmune disease, even though the inflammation in the intestines is not caused by the immune system attacking the body’s own tissues. Instead, the immune system attacks viruses, bacteria, or even food it perceives as harmful, when in fact they are not. This leads to inflammation in the intestines, which, if left unchecked, can cause intestinal damage. The inflammation can occur in various parts of the digestive tract, leading to very disruptive symptoms.

It depends on how you manage it. If the symptoms of IBD are not properly managed, they can lead to dangerous complications. Some possible complications include:

• Dehydration
• Malnutrition
• Bowel obstruction
• Abnormal channels (fistulas) in the intestines or anus
• Tears or fissures in the anus (anal fissures)
• Blocked blood vessels in the intestines
• Megacolon
• Colonic perforation
• Primary sclerosing cholangitis
• Colon cancer

To prevent further complications, it is crucial to adopt a healthy lifestyle, such as eating a balanced, nutritious diet, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking. Additionally, identifying and avoiding triggers that worsen your symptoms is important. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of inflammatory bowel disease.

IBD is divided into two main types: ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

1. Ulcerative Colitis: This disease causes inflammation in the colon (large intestine) and rectum. Ulcerative colitis typically causes inflammation that is more localized, affecting only the surface layer of the colon’s walls.
2. Crohn’s Disease: This disease can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. Crohn’s disease tends to affect deeper layers of the intestinal walls and can lead to more severe complications, such as narrowing or the formation of holes (fistulas) in the digestive tract.

Both types of IBD have similar symptoms, but the location and depth of the inflammation differ, which affects treatment and management.

Symptoms of IBD can vary from person to person, but in general, they develop gradually and can be very disruptive to daily life. Some common symptoms of IBD include:

1. Stomach Pain Stomach pain is the most common symptom of IBD. The pain may be cramping or intense, or it may present as a constant urge to have a bowel movement. The pain can come on suddenly and can last for a prolonged period. In some cases, the abdomen may feel full or bloated, worsening the discomfort.

2. Diarrhea Diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms of IBD. However, unlike typical diarrhea, which usually resolves with over-the-counter medication, diarrhea in IBD can become more severe and last longer. Some people with IBD experience diarrhea more than 10 times a day, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

3. Bloody Stool One of the hallmark signs of IBD is the presence of blood in the stool. This occurs because of sores or ulcers in the digestive tract that become inflamed. Sometimes, the blood is very noticeable, or it may be present in small amounts mixed with the stool. Blood in the stool should always be taken seriously, as it indicates significant inflammation in the digestive system.

4. Fever Fever is a common symptom associated with IBD. It often indicates active inflammation in the body. If the fever lasts more than three days and is accompanied by other symptoms, such as diarrhea or stomach pain, it is important to seek medical attention.

Although the exact cause of IBD is still not fully understood, experts believe the condition results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some factors that increase the risk of developing IBD include:

1. Family History If a close family member, such as a parent or sibling, has IBD, your risk of developing the disease is higher. Genetic factors are believed to play a key role in influencing the immune system.

2. Ethnicity IBD, particularly Crohn’s disease, is more common among Caucasians or those of European, North American, and Australian descent. Although IBD can also affect Asian and African populations, the incidence rate is higher among Caucasians.

3. Diet An unhealthy diet, particularly one that is high in sugar, fats, and processed foods, can increase the risk of developing IBD. Eating fast food or junk food that contains chemical additives may also negatively affect digestive health.

4. Smoking Smoking has been shown to worsen Crohn’s disease. Substances in cigarettes can damage the intestinal lining and disrupt overall digestive health. Smoking is a major risk factor for people with IBD, especially for those with Crohn’s disease.

5. Medication Use Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can worsen IBD. Long-term use of NSAIDs may cause ulcers and bleeding in the intestinal walls.

If you are experiencing symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis to determine if you are suffering from IBD. A doctor will typically start with a thorough medical history and physical examination. Additional tests that may be conducted include:

• Stool Tests: To detect infections or inflammation in the digestive tract.
• Blood Tests: To check for signs of inflammation and overall health status.
• Colonoscopy: A procedure using an endoscope to examine the colon and detect signs of inflammation or ulcers.
• CT Scan: To view internal areas of the body and identify signs of inflammation or other complications.
• Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: Used to examine the upper digestive tract, such as the esophagus and stomach.
• Capsule Endoscopy: Uses a small capsule with a camera to examine the small intestine, which is harder to reach with traditional methods.

The treatment for IBD is individualized based on the patient’s condition. Generally, treatment includes a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and, in some cases, medical procedures or surgery.

1. Lifestyle Changes

• Healthy Eating: Avoid foods that may trigger inflammation, such as spicy, fatty foods, or those containing harmful chemicals.
• Stress Management: Stress can exacerbate IBD symptoms, so it is important to adopt relaxation techniques, such as yoga, meditation, or light exercise.
• Hydration: People experiencing diarrhea should ensure they stay hydrated.

2. Medications

• Anti-Inflammatories: Medications like sulfasalazine or mesalazine are often used to reduce inflammation.
• Immunosuppressants: These drugs suppress the immune system and are used in more severe cases.
• Antibiotics: Given if there is an infection in the digestive tract.
• Biologic Therapy: Treatments using antibodies that target specific parts of the immune system responsible for inflammation.
3. Surgery If medical treatment is ineffective or serious complications like perforation or bowel narrowing occur, surgery may be necessary to remove the damaged portion of the intestine.
   
   

Inflammatory bowel disease is a serious condition that can significantly affect a person’s quality of life. Although the symptoms of IBD may vary, it is important to recognize the early signs and seek prompt medical attention. Accurate diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term complications and maintain digestive health. If you are experiencing symptoms that may indicate IBD, don’t hesitate to consult a gastroenterology specialist or a general surgeon at IHH Healthcare Malaysia. Our medical team is ready to provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment tailored to your condition.