Learn the Signs of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
4/7/2023
Many people living with the uncomfortable symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often presume it’s something they'll experience for life. Our gastroenterology doctors in Houston, TX want you to know that you do not have to suffer the unpleasant effects of IBD. Assistance is available — and it may be right around the corner. At Gastroenterology Consultants, we offer education on IBD symptoms and provide treatments that can help you get back to living your best life.
What is inflammatory bowel disease?
Inflammatory bowel disease is a gastrointestinal (GI) condition causing chronic inflammation in the digestive tract. You’ve most likely heard of two conditions that make up this disease — ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. While it might seem like a disease that only results in uncomfortable symptoms, inflammation of the intestines can cause irreversible damage to the GI tract over time.
Although the exact cause of this disease has not been established, it’s generally connected to a malfunctioning immune system. It's thought that an individual with inflammatory bowel disease has an immune system that’s not responding to environmental triggers as normal (such as bacteria and viruses) and has a parent, grandparent, or aunt or uncle who has IBD.
The most common signs and symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease include:
- Unintentional weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Blood in the stool
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
How is inflammatory bowel disease treated?
After inflammatory bowel disease is diagnosed, our main goal is to decrease inflammation of the intestines, which helps reduce its symptoms. There are several treatments we can try, and our goal is that, ultimately, you'll experience prolonged remission. IBD treatments may include:
- Supplements such as Vitamin D, iron, calcium, and more
- Anti-diarrheal medications
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Changes to your diet
The GI specialists at Gastroenterology Consultants can help you find a treatment ideal for your health condition. It may take some trial and error to determine the best way to alleviate GI inflammation and discomfort. However, we'll be there throughout the process to find the best solution for your needs.
Help for inflammatory bowel disease in Houston, TX
If you suffer from abdominal pain, constipation, loose and/or watery stool, or other gastrointestinal signs and symptoms consistently, it could be due to IBD. At Gastroenterology Consultants in Houston, TX, our experienced gastroenterologists can help detect, evaluate, and manage inflammatory bowel disease and its uncomfortable symptoms. If you're worried you may have IBD and would like to get back to living in greater comfort, please contact your nearest Gastroenterology Consultants location to request an appointment.