What is inflammatory bowel disease?

Over two million people have either Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, the two main diseases that are collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

IBD can attack both your small and large intestines. The location and effects of each disease vary from patient to patient.

What are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis?

Crohn’s disease commonly affects patients between the ages of 16 and 40, but other age groups can have it as well. Crohn’s disease may affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract including the stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, and anus.
Crohn’s Disease has numerous possible symptoms, including:

• Abdominal pain
• Cramping
• Anal pain
• Joint pain
• Unexpected weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Fever

There’s no cure for Crohn’s Disease, and its cause is still unknown. Several theories suggest an immunological problem, where your body’s defense system turns on your healthy tissues. There could be bacterial causes, and around 20% of Crohn’s patients have relatives with some form of IBD.

Ulcerative colitis is another form of IBD. It causes inflammation of the lining of your large intestine (colon or rectum, or both). Typically, the onset of ulcerative colitis is between the ages of 15-30 or 70-80. The symptoms of ulcerative colitis are similar to Crohn’s disease.

You might also suffer from fecal incontinence.

How is IBD treated?

Dr. Paonessa can often diagnose IBD in her office with a simple examination. She uses the most advanced forms of treatment to help patients manage their IBD and works with your gastroenterologist to keep the symptoms of IBD – including acute flares – under control.
Depending on your symptoms and the severity of your IBD, you might need to take:

• Antibiotics
• Anti-inflammatory agents
• Corticosteroids (prednisone)
• Immunomodulators
• Immunosuppressants
• Amino salicylates

Medications like these can reduce your symptoms and help prevent you from having to go to the hospital.

Does IBD require surgery?

Many patients who have IBD manage their condition well without needing surgery. However, Dr. Paonessa might recommend surgery if you’re suffering from chronic IBD or life-threatening complications like massive bleeding, perforation of the bowel, or infection.

Dr. Paonessa is a fellowship-trained colorectal surgeon who has over 18 years of experience in treating patients with IBD. She will recommend the most appropriate treatment and surgical intervention for you in order to preserve your quality of life and lifestyle.

Call Paonessa Colon & Rectal Surgery, PC, to schedule a consultation today.