Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Expert Care for Long-Term Digestive Health

What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation of the digestive tract. The two primary forms of IBD are:

• Crohn’s Disease: Can affect any part of the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus, often involving deeper layers of the bowel
• Ulcerative Colitis: Primarily affects the colon and rectum, causing inflammation and ulcers in the inner lining of the colon.
• At Central Gastro, we specialize in the comprehensive management of IBD, providing personalized care to help you achieve remission, manage symptoms, and improve your quality of life.

Symptoms of IBD

Common Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis:

• Chronic Diarrhea: Sometimes with blood or mucus.
• Abdominal Pain or Cramping: Often in the lower abdomen or specific areas depending on the condition.
• Rectal Bleeding: A hallmark of ulcerative colitis but also seen in Crohn’s disease.
• Fatigue and Weakness: Due to chronic inflammation or anemia.
• Weight Loss: From poor nutrient absorption or loss of appetite.
• Urgency to Defecate: Often associated with incomplete evacuation.
• Fever and Joint Pain: Possible systemic symptoms of IBD.

If these symptoms persist, early evaluation and treatment are critical to prevent complications.

Complications of IBD

Potential Complications of Crohn’s Disease:

• Fistulas: Abnormal connections between different parts of the bowel or other organs.
• Strictures: Narrowing of the bowel, leading to obstruction.
• Malnutrition: Due to poor absorption of nutrients.

Potential Complications of Ulcerative Colitis:

• Toxic Megacolon: Severe inflammation causing a dangerously enlarged colon.
• Colon Cancer: Increased risk with long-term inflammation.

Diagnosis of IBD

At Central Gastro, we use state-of-the-art diagnostics to confirm IBD and assess its severity:

• Colonoscopy: To visualize inflammation, ulcers, and take biopsies.
• Endoscopy: For upper GI involvement in Crohn’s disease.
• Imaging Studies: Such as CT or MRI enterography to evaluate the small intestine or complications like fistulas.
• Blood Tests: To check for anemia, inflammation, and nutritional deficiencies.
• Stool Tests: To rule out infections and check for inflammation markers.

Treatment Options for IBD

Our treatment plans focus on controlling inflammation, achieving remission, and preventing flare-ups:

1. Medications

• Aminosalicylates (5-ASA): 
• Corticosteroids
• Immunomodulators
• Biologic Therapies: 
  • Anti-TNF agents (e.g., infliximab, adalimumab) for moderate to severe cases.
  • Integrin inhibitors (e.g., vedolizumab) to reduce gut-specific inflammation.
  • Interleukin inhibitors (e.g., ustekinumab) for refractory cases.
• Janus Kinase (JAK) Inhibitors: Oral therapies for moderate to severe ulcerative colitis.

2. Nutritional Therapy

• Specialized Diets: Tailored plans to reduce inflammation and improve nutrient absorption.
• Enteral Nutrition: Liquid diets in severe cases to allow bowel rest and healing.
• Supplements: To address deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, calcium, or B12.

3. Endoscopic Interventions

• Stricture Dilation: To widen narrowed sections of the bowel 
• Management of Bleeding or Ulcers: Using minimally invasive techniques. 

4. Surgery

For complications or severe cases unresponsive to medications:

• Resection: Removal of diseased sections of the bowel in Crohn’s disease.
• Colectomy: Removal of the colon in severe ulcerative colitis, often followed by ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA).

Lifestyle and Supportive Care

• Dietary Adjustments: Avoiding trigger foods and maintaining a balanced diet.
• Stress Management: Techniques like yoga, meditation, or counseling to reduce stress-related flares.
• Regular Exercise: Improves overall well-being and reduces inflammation.
• Smoking Cessation: Essential for patients with Crohn’s disease to reduce disease severity.