Inflammatory Bowel Disease

• IBD is often found in people in their late teens and 20s, though it can be found at any age.
• Symptoms of IBD can differ from person to person and depend on the type of inflammatory bowel disease.
• There are two main types of inflammatory bowel disease : ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
  • Ulcerative colitis (UC)
    • Inflammation in the colon or rectum
    • Can cause :
      • Diarrhea (loose stool)
      • Cramps
      • Rectal bleeding

  • Crohn’s disease (CD) :
    • Inflammation or ulceration throughout the GI tract
    • Can cause :
      • Cramps/belly pain ( often in the lower right side )
      • Diarrhea
      • Weight loss
      • Bleeding
• Both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are illnesses with times of remission (when you feel well) and relapse (when you feel ill).
• There are many types of treatment plans that your doctor can order to control the symptoms of IBD, and each of these has specific actions and side effects.
• About 15 to 30 percent of patients with IBD have a family member with the disease. There is research underway to find out if a certain gene or a group of genes makes a person more likely to get IBD
• There is little proof that stress causes IBD. As with other illnesses, stress may make symptoms worse. Stress management might be suggested.
• Treatments for IBD often include medications, nutrition, emotional support or surgery, based on the type of IBD.
• While what you eat does not cause IBD, foods can cause or worsen symptoms when the disease is active.
  • Your doctor may do a nutritional assessment to find out if you are taking in enough calories, vitamins and minerals.

Coping With IBD

Though IBD is a long-term health issue that has times of remission and relapse, most people have a normal life span and a good quality of life.

For those who have chronic and continuing symptoms, here are a few tips to try :

• Know your body and how IBD affects you.
• Learn to care for yourself — have control over those things you can control.
• Build a support system that works for you: family, friends and support groups.
• Be sure to follow instructions from your medical team