Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease of the digestive system; this group includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Causes of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Although the exact causes are unknown, genetic predisposition and abnormal functioning of the immune system are thought to be responsible.

Who Is at Risk?

• Age: it often begins before the age of 30,
• Family history,
• It is more common in smokers.
• Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen

What Are the Symptoms of the Disease?

The frequency and severity of symptoms vary from person to person, but they include:

• Diarrhea,
• Fatigue,
• Abdominal pain,
• Hidden (occult) blood in the stool,
• Loss of appetite,
• Weight loss.

Complications

• Colon cancer: in patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, regular colon cancer screening should begin within 10 years of diagnosis.
• High rate of skin, joint and eye problems, such as arthritis and uveitis
• Side effects of the medications used
• Narrowing and blockage of the bile ducts,
• Increased blood clotting in the blood vessels,
• In addition, in Crohn's disease:
• Intestinal obstruction,
• Malnutrition,
• Fistula formation, especially in the anal region,
• Anal fissure may occur.
• In ulcerative colitis, the following complications are common:
• Toxic megacolon: sudden, rapid dilation of the colon,
• Perforation of the colon,
• Severe dehydration

Diagnostic Methods

• Blood tests: checking for anemia and infection,
• Stool tests for hidden blood and parasites,
• Endoscopic examinations,
• Imaging studies:

– Plain X-ray,
– CT scan,
– MRI: especially to look for fistulas in the anal region and small intestine.

Treatment Approaches

At İzmir Özel Can Hastanesi and Salihli Özel Can Hastanesi, the gastroenterology, radiology, psychiatry and general surgery departments work together in the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease to ensure that patients are followed in the healthiest way.

Treatment:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids and aminosalicylates,
• Immunosuppressive drugs,
• Psychological support,
• Antibiotics,
• Antidiarrheal and other supportive medications may be used.
• Depending on the patient's history and medical condition, surgery may also be needed.