Know the Signs of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
4/7/2023
Many people experience the disagreeable symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, and often think these symptoms are a reality they'll have to endure for life. Our gastroenterology specialists in the Little Rock, AR area want to make clear, though, that you do not have to deal with this discomfort. Assistance is here — and it may be closer than you think. At GastroArkansas, we strive to educate patients on their gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and provide treatment options to help them enjoy a better quality of life.
What is inflammatory bowel disease?
IBD is known as chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Two conditions you’ve most likely heard of fall into this category — ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. While it might seem like a discomfort you have to live with, inflammation of the intestines can lead to irreversible damage to the GI system over time.
Though the exact cause of IBD is not known, it’s usually linked to a weakened immune system. It’s also thought that a patient with IBD has an immune system that is not responding correctly to environmental triggers, like viruses and bacteria, and has a close relative with inflammatory bowel disease.
General signs of IBD involve:
- Constipation
- Exhaustion
- Abdominal pain
- Loose stool
- Unexpected weight loss
- Blood in the stool
How is IBD treated?
After diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease, we aim to minimize inflammation of your intestines to help reduce your symptoms. There are a variety of treatment options we may suggest. Our goal is that, in the long run, you will experience long-term remission. Common IBD treatments include:
- Vitamin D, iron, calcium, and other supplements
- Anti-inflammatory medicine
- Anti-diarrheal medicines
- Changes to your diet
Our GI specialists at GastroArkansas can help you find a course of treatment that suits your needs. It may necessitate trial and error to determine the right option to alleviate symptoms and inflammation. However, our specialists will work closely with you throughout the process to identify the proper treatment approach.
Find help for inflammatory bowel disease near Little Rock, AR
Should you suffer from abdominal pain, diarrhea, difficulty passing stool, or other bothersome GI issues on a regular basis, it may be a sign of IBD. At GastroArkansas, our team of board-certified GI specialists may be able to detect, treat, and manage IBD and its troublesome symptoms. If you are worried you could have IBD and want to start living with less stress and symptoms, please request a consultation at one of our gastroenterology locations in the Little Rock, AR area.