What is IBS and IBD?
Irritable bowel syndrome is a disease that affects the large intestine. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, changes in the frequency of bowel movements, and changes in the appearance of bowel movements. IBS can also lead to weight loss, diarrhea at night, persistent pain, difficulty swallowing, rectal bleeding, and iron deficiency anemia. You should see a doctor if you are experiencing any persistent symptoms. The exact cause of IBS is unknown, though certain foods and stress may trigger the symptoms. IBS does increase your risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Inflammatory bowel disease is used to describe certain disorders that are linked to the chronic inflammation of your digestive tract. If you have been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, you have a type of inflammatory bowel disease. Ulcerative colitis is a condition that results in ulcers and inflammation along the lining of the large intestine and rectum. Crohn’s disease occurs when the lining of the digestive tract is inflamed. The inflammation can also involve the deeper layers of the tract. Both of these conditions can cause you to experience the symptoms of diarrhea, bloody stools, reduced appetite, abdominal pain or cramping, weight loss, and fatigue. Inflammatory bowel disease can sometimes lead to life threatening complication, and you should talk to your doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms.
How are they diagnosed and treated?
While there is no specific test to diagnose IBS, a doctor may use tests to rule out other disorders. They may also use the Rome criteria. Stool studies, lactose intolerance tests, and breath tests for bacterial growths may also be ordered. A doctor may recommend a colonoscopy, x-ray, CT scan, or upper endoscopy to diagnose or rule out other causes of your symptoms. You can often control the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome by managing diet, stress levels, and with lifestyle changes. Treatment can involve limiting high-gas foods or foods that trigger symptoms, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and drinking plenty of fluids. Your doctor may also recommend working with a dietician. Certain symptoms may need to be treated with medication. Your doctor may prescribe fiber supplements, laxatives, anti-diarrheal medications, anticholinergic medications, tricyclic antidepressants, SSRI antidepressants, and pain medication. Other medications such as alosetron, eluxadoline, rifaximin, lubiprostone, and lonaclotide may also be prescribed.
In order to diagnose IBD, your doctor may order blood tests and stool studies. In order to confirm the diagnosis, a colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, upper endoscopy, capsule endoscopy, or balloon-assisted enteroscopy may be required. Imaging procedures such as x-rays, CT scans , and MRIs may also be ordered to allow your doctor to view and evaluate the digestive tract and rule out other conditions. To treat inflammatory bowel disease, your doctor may recommend drug therapy or surgery. Treatment of your symptoms and reducing inflammation can sometimes lead to remission and a reduced risk of major health complications. Medications can include anti-inflammatory medication, immune systems suppressors, biologics, antibiotics, anti-diarrheal medication, pain relievers, and vitamins or other supplements. You may also be recommended to go on a specific diet to make sure you are getting all of the nutrients you need if you experience unexpected weight loss due to the condition. You may require surgery if your symptoms are not improved by other treatments or lifestyle changes. Surgery for Crohn’s colitis can involve removing a damaged portion of the digestive tract. While surgery is not a cure for the disease, it can improve symptoms. Other surgical procedures for Crohn’s can also be used to close fistulas and to drain abscesses.
If you have any of the symptoms of IBS or IBD, talk to your doctor about treatment options. The doctors at Granite State Gastroenterology can come up with a treatment plan that will improve your health and quality of life!