Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Arizona
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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
Inflammatory Bowel Disease FAQs
Is inflammatory bowel disease genetic?
Among some individuals, genetics can influence the chance of developing IBD. However, someone may be genetically prone to getting inflammatory bowel disease yet never develop the condition. The hereditary risk for disease development is higher with Crohn’s disease than with ulcerative colitis.
Can IBD increase the chance of getting cancer?
Developing IBD does not automatically mean an individual will have cancer. But the condition can raise the risk of getting colon cancer. Controlling IBD properly and managing inflammation could help reduce the cancer risk. Speak with your Arizona Digestive Health gastrointestinal doctor to learn more about the chance of developing cancer with inflammatory bowel disease.
Can diet affect inflammatory bowel disease?
Making specific changes to your diet may help to relieve some IBD symptoms. This might focus on avoiding foods that trigger bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, along with other uncomfortable symptoms. Your gastrointestinal provider can help you identify a diet ideal for your health.
Will IBD ever go away?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for IBD. But there could be instances when the disease is not in an active state and goes into remission. Inflammatory bowel disease and its effects may be treated and controlled via medications, diet modifications, and dietary supplements.
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.
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Staff is always pleasant and helpful. Providers are excellent; they listen earnestly to what you have to say and address your concerns with respect. I have had the most positive outcomes, since switching to this office/practice, that I’ve had in more than a decade with other providers. The go above and beyond what is required of them to meet the needs of their clients/patients. I have had chronic autoimmune illness for more than 20 years including an inflammatory bowel disease for the 18 years and this office has provided the most comprehensive and compassionate care I have experienced with any providers. The provider I see here is Dr. Trivedi, and on occasion, his PA Emily Renda. I love all the MAs and office staff, as well as the RNs who work the endoscopy center with them. It’s been just an overall positive experience with them over the last two years.
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