Many of us have experienced pain and discomfort from a stomach ache. People who have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can unfortunately suffer from severe pain. But what is IBD and are there any treatments?
Inflammatory Bowel Disease: The Facts
The term "inflammatory bowel disease" refers to a group of disease that cause chronic inflammation (redness and swelling) of the intestines.
IBD diseases include ulcerative colitis and Chrohn’s disease, both of which tend to develop in people aged between 15 and 30. Since most forms of IBD are so similar, it’s a challenge for GPs to determine what type a sufferer has.
At this point there is no known cause for IBD. However, it’s believed to be genetic and related to immune system issues.
The Symptoms of IBD
Symptoms of IBD can include:
- Sore joints
- Skin problems including rashes and mouth ulcers
- Appetite loss
- Rectum bleeding
- Diarrhoea
- Unexplained weight loss
- Severe pain in the abdomen
- Tiredness
- Vomiting
- Treating IBD
If you suspect you may have inflammatory bowel disease, your first step should be to consult a health professional. They’ll undertake a physical assessment to rule out other diseases and conditions. They may use a colonoscopy, blood tests or sigmoidoscopy to diagnose IBD.
In terms of treatment, your health professional may recommend anti-inflammatory medication. Surgery may also be advised if your IBD symptoms are severe.
Nutrition can also help people with IBD. Eating a balanced diet and avoiding trigger foods can also assist. Your nutritionist, dietitian or naturopath can help you develop a nutrition plan.
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