Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) refers to a set of symptoms and conditions that impact the digestive tract. There are different types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, including Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis.

Below are some of the quick facts worth knowing about IBD.

Knowing the symptoms

The signs of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) can vary, depending on the inflammation. Since the inflammation can impact multiple parts of the stomach, the symptoms can be mild or even severe in some cases. If you have ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease or both, you may suffer from symptoms like fever, diarrhea, fatigue, presence of blood in the stool, changes in appetite and unexplained weight loss. Experts like Dr. Guru Reddy suggest patients to see a doctor if they see frequent and persistent change in stool/bowel movement. In some cases, the complications can be severe, and it is always better to seek help when the first symptoms and signs appear.

What causes Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?

According to resources, the cause of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is not exactly known, although diet and stress may worsen the condition. Some experts believe that “immune system malfunction” might be one of the many reasons behind IBD.  The risks are higher for certain races, and people who have a family history of IBD may suffer from the condition. Smoking is one of the other suspected factors, while experts and doctors also think that taking some of the anti-inflammatory medications may increase the risk of the condition. People who rely on a high-fat and processed food diet are likely to suffer from IBD more than others.

Understanding the complications

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), if left untreated, can cause a few complications in the long run. Patients may have a higher risk of colon cancer, and some also suffer from inflammation of the skin and joints. The medications used for the treatment of IBD may increase the risk of developing certain kinds of cancer. IBD is also known to add to the risk of clots in arteries.

If you have any signs of IBD, talk to your doctor at the earliest. Since most of the abdominal problems have similar symptoms, it is often hard to take a call on the possible cause. Your doctor may suggest a few tests, and based on the findings, he will suggest the medications and additional lifestyle changes that might be necessary. Find a clinic near you now!