Inflammatory Bowel Disease Specialist

What is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?

IBD is a collection of conditions that cause your digestive tract to be chronically inflamed. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are the most common forms of IBD.

Crohn’s disease causes inflammation throughout your digestive tract, but it affects your large and small intestines most often. Ulcerative colitis usually affects your large intestine, and in some cases, the chronic inflammation causes ulcers in your colon and rectum.

Other complications of IBD are colon cancer, blood clots, and diffuse inflammation throughout your body.

What are possible symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease?

Many painful and disruptive digestive symptoms can stem from IBD. These include:

• Diarrhea
  
• Reduced appetite
  
• Abdominal cramping and pain
  
• Weight loss
  
• Fever
  
• Fatigue
  
• Blood in your stool
  

IBD symptoms vary in severity. You may experience time during which your symptoms flare up as well as periods of remission when you feel fine. 

What causes inflammatory bowel disease?

Why some people develop IBD is not understood, but there is likely a link to issues involving their immune systems. When your immune system goes haywire, it may attack your digestive tract and cause inflammation. 

Risk factors for developing inflammatory bowel disease include:

• Family medical history
  
• Smoking
  
• High-fat diet, including refined foods
  
• Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
  

Limiting your exposure to these risk factors can help limit your chances of developing IBD.

How is inflammatory bowel disease diagnosed?

Dr. Qadri performs a thorough physical exam and medical history. He’ll review your symptoms and check for signs of inflammation. He’ll also rule out other conditions that could cause your symptoms. Testing he may order includes:

• Blood tests for anemia and signs of infection
  
• Fecal tests to look for blood in your stool
  
• Endoscopy to examine your upper digestive tract for signs of inflammation
  
• Colonoscopy to check for signs of inflammation in your large intestine
  
• X-rays to rule out complications like a perforated colon
  
• MRI or CT scan to create images of your digestive organs
  

Once Dr. Qadri determines that you have IBD, he develops a customized treatment plan to help manage your symptoms and minimize flare-ups. 

How is inflammatory bowel disease treated?

Treatment for IBD is customized to your symptoms, the severity of your condition, and your exact diagnosis.

Therapies may include anti-inflammatory medications, antibiotics, immune system suppressors, and medications to manage your symptoms. Dr. Qadri may also suggest dietary changes and supplements to ensure you get all the nutrients you need. 

If you have symptoms of IBD, call Athens Digestive Healthcare Associates, or schedule an appointment online.