5 Tips on Inflammatory Bowel Disease

1. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an inflammation of the small or large intestine that may cause these symptoms:
* Diarrhea
* Rectal bleeding
* Sharp abdominal pain or cramping
* Intestinal obstruction
* Fever
See your doctor if you have any of these symptoms

2. There are two types of IBD:
* Ulcerative Colitis
o Starts in rectum and spreas upward
o Affects men more tham women
* Crohn's Disease
o More patchy inflammation
o Can start anywhere in the digestive tract
o Affects women more than men

3. The cause of IBD is unknown. What is known about IBD includes the following:
* IBD is not Contagious.
* IBD is not caused by diet.
* IBD is not a form of cancer.
* IBD affects young and old alike.
* IBD can usually be treated with medicine but sometimes requires surgery.

4. Diagnosis of IBD is based on:
* Family history, travel history, current medications
* Stool sample to rule out infection
* Flexible sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy and biopsy to rule out cancer and to identify
* IBD
* X-ray studies

5. Treatment of IBD may include:
* Medications to reduce or eliminate inflammation
* Special diet or elemental formula diet
* Surgery
Time is critical. If you suspect IBD, call your doctor.