Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a generalized term that refers to the inflammatory disorders that affect the digestive tract. IBD affects more than 3 million Americans.
This digestive disease has two primary types: ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Ulcerative colitis causes ulcers in the inner lining of the colon (large intestine) and the rectum, whereas Crohn’s disease is when the lining anywhere in the digestive tract is inflamed. Both conditions are accompanied by similar symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.
There is no known cure for inflammatory bowel disease, but there are several effective ways to treat it. Let’s talk about the various treatments in managing the symptoms of IBD.
Treatments for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
The goal of treatment of inflammatory bowel disease is to manage and reduce the uncomfortable symptoms, avoid complications, and achieve remission.
IBD Medications
IBD treatment involves medication that’s initially mild, and you may be prescribed stronger medication as necessary. Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs (including corticosteroids), antibiotics, or immune suppressors:
Anti-Inflammatories – Doctors typically first prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to help reduce inflammation in your digestive tract. Anti-inflammatory medicine is often effective in helping IBD sufferers achieve remission.
Antibiotics – In order to prevent the inflammation from becoming an infection, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to help keep you healthy.
Immune Suppressors – This treatment is prescribed to prevent your immune system from attacking your intestine. This type of drug is often taken in combination with other IBD treatments.
Nutrition is also a concern for IBD sufferers, which is why vitamin D and calcium supplements are recommended to fill the nutritional gaps that may occur with irritable bowel diseases. Your gastroenterologist will explain other types of supplements and nutrition sources that will be good for tamping down your condition.
If your body does not respond to these noninvasive treatments, your doctor will likely recommend surgery.
Surgery for IBD
Surgery for ulcerative colitis usually involves the complete removal of your colon and rectum, which is very effective in eliminating the painful symptoms. If you’re wondering how you can function without a colon, the surgeon will likely create a pouch at the end of your small intestine and connect it directly to your anus, so your functioning will remain fairly normal.
The for Crohn’s disease involves either the removal of the damaged section of the digestive tract, the closure of fistulas that have developed, or the drainage of abscesses that have formed. Crohn’s disease usually recurs after surgery, however, so medication can help you avoid symptoms from recurring.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treatment in Carlisle, PA
With effective treatment methods administered by the highly skilled and experienced gastroenterologists of Carlisle Digestive Disease Associates, patients with inflammatory bowel disease can control their condition and experience less abdominal pain and discomfort.
Our compassionate team understands how IBD can take an emotional toll on patients, which is why our aim is to help you feel calm and relaxed about the diagnosis and treatment process. You will receive not only advanced medical treatment but also positive support from our physicians and staff.
If you have any questions about our treatment programs or you’d like to schedule a consultation, contact us today by calling (717) 245-2228 or request an appointment online now. We look forward to seeing you and helping you feel like yourself again.
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