Understanding the Signs and Symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
4/7/2023
Many people encountering the uncomfortable symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often imagine it to be something they'll endure for the rest of their lives. Our board-certified gastroenterologists in Lubbock, TX want to clarify that you do not have to suffer in discomfort. Assistance is here — and it’s closer than you might think. At Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates, we seek to provide education on gastrointestinal (GI) conditions and offer treatment options to help you enjoy a better quality of life.
What is IBD?
IBD is the chronic inflammation of the GI tract. There are two conditions you’ve most likely heard of that fall into this disease classification — Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. While symptoms of these conditions are uncomfortable enough, inflammation of the intestines can also permanently damage the gastrointestinal tract over time.
Although the exact cause of IBD is unknown, it is generally related to an unchecked immune system. It is thought that a person with this disease has an immune system that is not reacting appropriately to environmental triggers (bacteria and viruses) and has a parent, grandparent, or close family member with inflammatory bowel disease.
The most common signs and symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease involve:
- Stomach pain
- Loose and watery stool
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blood in the stool
How is IBD treated?
Following a diagnosis of IBD, our first step will be to reduce intestinal inflammation, diminishing as many of your symptoms as possible. Several treatment methods are available, and our goal is that you will eventually experience long-lasting freedom from discomfort. Common treatments for IBD include:
- Vitamin D and other supplements, such as iron and calcium
- Anti-diarrheal medicine
- Dietary changes
- Anti-inflammatory medicine
The gastroenterologists at Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates can work with you to find a course of treatment that is ideal for your concerns. It might require some investigation to determine the right treatment to alleviate IBD symptoms and GI inflammation, but our specialists will work with you to determine the proper course of action.
Get help for inflammatory bowel disease in Lubbock, TX
If you experience abdominal pain, difficulty passing stool, loose and/or watery stool, or other bothersome gastrointestinal issues on a daily or weekly basis, it may be a sign of inflammatory bowel disease. At Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates, our team of board-certified gastroenterologists can help identify, address, and manage inflammatory bowel disease and the unpleasant symptoms that come along with it. If you are worried you might have IBD and want to start living life in greater comfort, contact your nearest Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates location to request a consultation.