What is inflammatory bowel disease?
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the umbrella term for several diseases that affect the intestine. The main ones are Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis. This inflammatory bowel disease affects men and women equally, most commonly between the ages of 20 and 40. However, in recent years its incidence has multiplied in children under 18 years of age.
Symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease
The symptoms that the patient will feel will vary depending on the disease he/she suffers from. Crohn’s disease is more aggressive in its symptoms, which are usually abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea with mucus or even blood, weight loss, swollen belly, strictures, fistulas, abscesses, strictures and perianal involvement. Ulcerative colitis presents a similar symptomatology to Crohn’s disease but milder. Infrequent swelling of the abdomen and the creation of fistulas, abscesses and strictures are uncommon, but rectorrhagia or blood loss through the anus is more intense.
Causes of inflammatory bowel disease
The cause of inflammatory bowel disease is unknown, although it is believed that there may be a hereditary component: approximately 20% of those affected by this disease have a direct relative who also suffers from it.
Prevention of inflammatory bowel disease
As the cause of the diseases that make up inflammatory bowel disease is unclear, there are no preventive measures for inflammatory bowel disease. Early diagnosis is a good way to slow down the progression of this pathology.
Treatment of inflammatory bowel disease
Inflammatory bowel disease is chronic, so there is no curative treatment. The patient with inflammatory bowel disease should see a Digestive System specialist periodically to monitor the disease and receive treatment to reduce symptoms.