What are the signs of inflammatory bowel disease?

Studies show Australia has high rates of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Could you be needing diagnosis and treatment?

An upset stomach may happen now and again, but if digestive issues are occurring more often, there’s a risk you’re shrugging off a complex condition.

Inflammatory bowel disease describes chronic conditions where inflammation impacts portions of the gastrointestinal tract: the two types are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

A doctor may use a third category to diagnose an IBD condition with elements of both, known as indeterminate colitis (IC) or inflammatory bowel disease unclassified (IBDU).

If you’re experiencing gastrointestinal issues, it’s always best to seek your GP’s advice. 

Crohn’s disease

In this disease inflammation causes swelling in parts of the digestive tract, most commonly (but not always) in the small intestine and colon. 

Symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, blood in your stool that comes from internal ulcers and rectal bleeding from cracked skin.

Fever, fatigue, a reduced appetite and weight loss are common.

Inflammation may affect other parts of the body, from skin rashes, to issues with your eyes and joint problems. Liver and bile ducts can also become inflamed. 

Crohn’s manifests possible symptoms as wide-ranging as kidney stones, anaemia, mouth ulcers and sexual discomfort or pain.

With such scope, it’s easy to see why people may not connect the dots and realise the varied symptoms they’re experiencing are linked to a single cause.

Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis occurs only in the colon and rectum. The inflammation causes ulcers in the lining of the bowel, compelling you to use your bowel more often.

Unlike Crohn’s disease – which can inflame other portions of the gastrointestinal tract, with healthy tissue between the inflamed areas – ulcerative colitis is an unbroken region of inflammation, primarily in the colon.

Common symptoms of ulcerative colitis include abdominal and rectal pain, cramping, diarrhoea and blood and mucus in your stools. You may experience fever, hair loss, fatigue, reduced appetite and weight loss.

Hearing increased noises from your intestines? This can be a sign of ulcerative colitis, along with often feeling like you need to use your bowels, even if you’ve just been to the toilet.

Like Crohn’s, further impact of inflammation in the body is possible, leading to symptoms that include issues with skin and eyes, as well as joints.

IBD is not IBS

Inflammatory bowel dDisease differs from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The confusion results because both can manifest gastrointestinal issues, but one is a disease, and the other a syndrome.

IBD is more serious in that it can inflame and therefore damage aspects of the intestinal tract. Inflammation is a key component of IBD. 

IBS primarily causes pain, and involves symptoms like diarrhoea, cramping, gassiness, bloating and constipation. Statistically, IBS is much more common.

Diagnosis and treatment

Research continues into the exact cause of IBD. Those with a family history of IBD are most at risk, but it can occur in anyone, at any age. 

There are different types of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. All are chronic conditions where a person can experience flares as well as remission. 

These conditions need identifying and treating to help avoid potential complications down the track. Malabsorption of nutrients, appetite loss and diarrhoea can all contribute to malnutrition.

Your symptoms can be very mild, or prove severe. Two people with IBD can have very different symptomatic experiences.

If your doctor suspects IBD, tests can be undertaken. It’s worth noting that there are other conditions with similar symptoms, so your GP will likely want to collect more information.

Diagnostic tools may include blood tests, endoscopies, stool samples, CT scans and MRI. They may refer you to a gastroenterologist, who specialises in dealing with gastrointestinal issues.

In some cases, complications such as fistulas and obstructions can occur, requiring medication and possible surgery.

Treatment differs from person to person. With a great support team, you can work to manage your condition through medication, diet changes, exercise and stress management. 

Is there a history of IBD in your family? Have you experienced symptoms that led to an unexpected diagnosis? Let us know in the comments section below.

Also read: Inflammatory bowel disease becoming more common, experts say

Disclaimer: This article contains general information about health issues and is not advice. For health advice, consult your medical practitioner.