Inflammatory bowel disease is a term used for several diseases of a similar nature and is abbreviated to IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease). The term IBD includes two inflammatory bowel diseases, namely Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease, which are characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
What are the most common symptoms of IBD?
Some of the most common symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are frequent diarrhea, abdominal pain, mucous-bloody stools, weight loss, and fatigue.
How does IBD occur?
The exact cause of inflammatory bowel disease is not known, but IBD is the result of a deficient immune system. A healthy immune system attacks foreign microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria to protect the body. In IBD, the immune system reacts inappropriately to environmental triggers, causing inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. There is also a genetic factor in the origin. People who have a family history of IBD are more likely to develop such an inappropriate immune response than people who do not.
How is IBD diagnosed?
The diagnosis of IBD is made through examinations such as colonoscopy, which takes a biopsy sample to confirm the condition, MR enterography, or CT. For the purpose of diagnosis, a stool and blood sample are also taken to rule out infection as a cause of diarrhea or to confirm the diagnosis through specific tests.
How is IBD treated?
In the treatment of IBD, several types of drugs are used that are more or less effective. Because IBD is often not a permanent treatment option, treatment can consist of several steps (lines). Treatment can be with medication and surgery in case of severe damage to the GI tract caused by severe inflammation.
Drugs used in the treatment of IBD are drugs from the group of corticosteroids, aminosalicylates, immunomodulators, or biological therapy which is the latest group of drugs approved for the treatment of IBD.
At the Solmed polyclinic, we offer the treatment of IBD using the latest treatment methods, such as the application of biological therapy, respecting the highest standards of the profession. If you are in a group of people suffering from IBD, contact us with confidence.
