Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Arizona
Ready to Consult a GI Physician?
Find a ProviderWhat is IBD (inflammatory bowel disease)?
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an overarching term to describe swelling in your GI tract. IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) is typically categorized into two similar but unique diseases:
- Crohn’s disease: Crohn's disease results in uncomfortable inflammation of your digestive tract, specifically the colon. It is usually found at the end of the small bowel, the beginning of the colon, and might impact any area of the gastrointestinal tract ranging from the mouth to the anus.
- Ulcerative colitis: Ulcerative colitis also shows up through irritation of the colon but is generally accompanied by ulcerations in the tissue. This condition is restricted to the large bowel.
The GI physicians at Arizona Digestive Health often identify and handle IBD. If you think you could be experiencing this problem and are in need of treatment for inflammatory bowel disease in Phoenix, AZ, please contact us to find a GI specialist.
What causes IBD?
The reason for inflammatory bowel disease is often classified as an immune system issue. Just like when your body appropriately triggers your immune system to fight bacteria or a virus, an abnormal immune system trigger can fight the cells in the gastrointestinal system. As a result, different components of the small bowel and colon become swollen. IBD does maintain a genetic component and can be passed down from parent to offspring. Risk factors of IBD include:
- Family history: IBD is linked to being passed down in the genes
- Age: Most people diagnosed with IBD are below the age of 30
- Ethnicity or race: IBD is most frequent among Caucasians and people of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry but can affect anyone
- Smoking
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen
- Geography: Inhabitating in a well-developed region and/or northern areas may elevate the likelihood of developing inflammatory bowel disease
What are the signs of IBD?
Signs of inflammatory bowel disease will vary in accordance with the condition and its seriousness. The common signs of inflammatory bowel disease include:
- Rectal discomfort
- Loss of normal menstrual cycle
- Distress or drainage near or around the anus
- Diarrhea
- Mouth sores
- Abrupt loss of weight
- Urgency to defecate
- Joint ache or stiffness
- Abdominal discomfort
- Unintentional weight changes
- Chronic tiredness
- Blood in your stool
- Rash
- Constipation
- Fever
We encourage you to get in touch with an Arizona Digestive Health gastroenterologist should you have any steady shift in bowel routines, or experience any combination of the above indicators. Contact our GI office in Phoenix, AZ today to request an appointment.
How is IBD detected?
IBD may be diagnosed via different techniques, chosen by your doctor according to your symptoms. An endoscopy or a colonoscopy is frequently utilized to detect inflammatory bowel disease. In some instances, additional imaging assessments will be completed, such as CT, MRI, or x-ray.
How is IBD treated?
The primary treatment objective is to reduce the inflammation in your gastrointestinal tract in order to eliminate or reduce symptoms. Treatment may, over time, result in long-term remission of IBD. IBD treatments involve:
- Enteral nutrition (liquid supplements)
- Anti-diarrheal medications
- Calcium and vitamin D supplements
- Anti-inflammatory drugs targeted at an overactive immune system
- Surgery
- Iron supplements
- Antibiotics
Affected by IBD?
Inflammatory bowel disease is not a fatal condition. However, if left uncontrolled and untreated, with time, a person with IBD may develop problems that can be deadly. Moreover, leaving IBD uncared for may lead to an increased risk of developing colon cancer. Featuring a highly experienced group of GI specialists, Arizona Digestive Health provides options for care to help manage symptoms and optimize the lives of those struggling with inflammatory bowel disease. To receive help for IBD in Phoenix, AZ, please request an appointment with our GI office today.
Reviews
Dr Hauptman is a great doctor. He found my problem and I have been pain free for the last 3 year's as I follow his treatment. If you have gastric problems see Dr Hauptman first or get a second opinion from him.
Very professional and nice friendly office! Dr. Was very nice and made me feel at ease.
A Great doctor, usually easy to get in to see her & I like the location of her 19 th Ave office . . She doesn’t rush when she is in the room with you & is good about explaining whatever issue I might have. I highly recommend her .
Dr Wells has helped me for many years. He takes the time, answers all my questions, and is extremely caring. I trust him completely.
Great experience so far with Dr Mann
10
Total Reviews
4.9
Average Rating
