Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a group of chronic conditions that is also known as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. This disease causes the digestive tract to be inflamed. But until now, medical scientists remain clueless about what’s causing it. That’s why it’s very important to recognize inflammatory bowel disease symptoms (IBD). It will help in seeking early medical attention and, therefore, save the person suffering from it.
Is inflammatory bowel disease hereditary? There is a strong genetic component that identifies IBD as something that can be inherited. But unlike other genetic diseases, IBD is not a single-gene inheritance. If IBD is in the family history, then the risk of having it is higher. There are also specific genes that have been linked to a higher risk of having IBD, specifically Crohn’s disease. Scientists recently discovered a breakthrough in bowel disease. They found central pathways in people who contract IBD, and this discovery may lead to better treatments.
While genetics play a big role in this, environmental factors must be considered. Stress, diet, and exposure to specific infections may contribute to the contraction of IBD. However, It’s important to know that even if someone in the family has an inflammatory bowel disease, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is passed down to another family member. There are still those who never develop the disease for themselves. Here are some of the common symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
1. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a condition characterized by frequent, loose stool that can be watery and may contain blood or mucus. It happens when the intestines become inflamed. It will then disrupt the usual bowel function, which can lead to an increase in bowel movement. A balanced diet rich in fiber, such as oats, seeds, nuts, and fruits like apples, pears, and bananas helps promote gut health. Avoid processed foods, too, to better manage symptoms like diarrhea.
2. Abdominal Pain and Cramping
It is a recurring pain in the abdomen. It is usually persistent and may come with cramping. This abdominal pain happens when the inflammation irritates the nerves in the gut, causing pain and discomfort. Physical activities will help lessen the inflammation and improve the overall health of a person struggling with IBD. IBD has many significant complications, such as the possible risk of colon cancer. This is particularly true for those who suffer from ulcerative colitis. The longer the disease is not treated, the higher the risk. That is why doing regular colonoscopy is important for prevention.
3. Rectal Bleeding
This blood in stool varies from streaks of blood to a noticeable amount. This happens when the inflammation causes ulcers in the colon that lead to bleeding. Consulting with a colorectal specialist Singapore is crucial for managing the symptoms and complications of ulcerative colitis. If you are experiencing these inflammatory bowel disease symptoms, you should consult a healthcare provider to diagnose it properly. The timely diagnosis aids in managing the disease by providing the proper IBD treatment and, therefore avoiding further complications
4. Fatigue
Feeling fatigue means extreme tiredness, complete exhaustion, and loss of energy when doing normal tasks. This happens when Chronic inflammation drains the body’s reserve energy. Calming activities like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing are known to help manage stress effectively and avoid the stress factors that contribute to IBD flares and fatigue. If you drink alcohol, it is best to skip it.The excessive amount of alcohol intake will automatically worsen the IBD symptoms because it will irritate the digestive tract. Dehydration, an after-effect of alcohol intake, may also cause fatigue. Consume a controlled amount if this cannot be eliminated.
5. Weight Loss
Unintended weight loss even without working out or changing diet. This normally happens when the inflammation causes a loss of appetite that interferes with the absorption of proper nutrients. Proper food intake with expert guidance can help address IBD symptoms like weight loss. To monitor the IBD condition, a regular doctor check-up must be scheduled. Healthcare providers will make the necessary adjustments to the treatment needed. If you are a smoker, remember that smoking will greatly worsen the IBD signs so there’s no other way to help the situation further but to refrain from smoking.
6. Loss of Appetite
The loss of appetite is a decrease in the desire to eat. This happens when inflammation causes digestive problems that lead to abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, making eating difficult. Chronic inflammation disrupts the absorption of important nutrients that cause vitamin deficiencies. IBD can also affect other body parts, such as the skin, liver, and eyes. Likewise, the persistent nature of IBD may impact mental health and may cause depression and anxiety.
7. Fever
This is the increased or elevated body temperature. It happens when the inflammation triggers the body’s immune response, eventually leading to fever. Various medications will help control the inflammation and lessen the symptoms. In other cases, surgery may be required to remove the damaged intestine. Remember that the early detection of inflammatory bowel disease symptoms is the key to managing IBD.
Understanding Inflammatory Bowel Disease Symptoms
Many people are used to self-medicating. Others ignore the inflammatory bowel disease symptoms. Do not forget that it will not help at all. If there is a specific concern about IBD that you need answers for, it’s always advisable to consult healthcare providers. Do not be scared, and be reminded that prevention is always better than cure.
Although IBD is a chronic disease, it’s still possible to live an active lifestyle. Just remember that proper management has to be prioritized. A healthy lifestyle means having enough sleep for the body to recover accordingly. It also means regular exercise to improve the overall health. Self-management is crucial. Those who are suffering from IBD should learn to identify their triggers to be able to take the necessary steps to avoid them. Having a support group that helps to connect with others who have the same suffering will give emotional support.