Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease
What is Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?
IBD refers to two conditions, Chrons disease and Uclerative Collitis.
These two conditions cause inflammation of the bowel, with Chrons affecting any area of the digestive tract from mouth to anus, and causing inflammation of the entire bowel wall. Ulcerative colitis, on the other hand, is only found to cause inflammation of the large bowel and rectum, with inflammation only occurring in one layer of the bowel lining.
What are the symptoms of IBD?
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Rectal bleeding
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Weight loss may also occur
How is IBD diagnosed?
Diagnosis of Chron’s disease or Ulcerative colitis may involve multiple forms of tests, as the symptoms experienced are so similar to that of many other gastrointestinal issues. Diagnosis may include blood tests, stool sample analysis, colonoscopies and/or a biopsy of the bowel.
Hydrogen and Methane Breath testing for Monitoring IBD
The xylose, sorbitol or glucose load tests may be useful for monitoring IBD given it can indicate the amount of inflammation present in the bowels as reflected by the amount of malabsorption due to its good correlation with histological damage if there is no previously diagnosed intolerances to these substances.
How do I manage IBD?
Currently there is no cure for IBD. The symptoms can often be managed with the help of anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroids, dietary modification. In severe cases surgery may be required to totally resolve symptoms. It is important to have regular assessment with your doctor if you are diagnosed with IBD as sufferers often develop nutritional deficiencies that may impact long term health. A dietitian can help to ensure your diet is nutritionally adequate and prevent or resolve any nutritional deficiencies.