A serious disease without a permanent cure can be managed with inflammatory bowel disease treatment DC

If you are a victim of severe and recurring abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, cramps, fatigue, and fever you may have a condition known as IBD. IBD stands for inflammatory bowel disease and is a recurring and chronic condition that affects the intestinal tract of afflicted individuals. While almost everyone is prone to having stomach issues at some point in their lives, IBD patients are different in the severity, the frequency, and the impact the issues have on their body over time.

IBD is caused by one of two severe and chronic conditions, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. The origins of these diseases are unknown, but experts do expect genetics, health, diet, and lifestyle to be some of the main contributing factors. Crohn's disease is more likely to occur in people at a younger stage in life, usually under 30, and ulcerative colitis is more prone to develop at any point in time.

These illnesses may seem like nothing more than irritating stomach problems, but the conditions worsen over time to affect the patient's daily activities to the point of sometimes even becoming debilitating.

What are My Options for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treatment DC?

Medications are the first step in inflammatory bowel disease treatment DC. IBD is known for causing debilitating flare-ups, and people can go for years without having any symptoms. After a patient is diagnosed, they are encouraged to exercise, focus on a low-stress lifestyle, and assume a healthy diet that is found to cause less irritation to the system. Medications are generally useful in managing the pain and other problems, but they do usually stop working over time. If this happens, your doctor may need to switch you to a different treatment regimen.

Pain management is the primary concern for individuals with severe IBD, but if medication is ineffective, some people may elect to have surgery to relieve the pain. Ulcerative colitis patients may need to have the entire colon and rectum removed in order to take away the swelling and avoid reoccurrences. Crohn's patients are different in that they develop ulcers and growths anywhere within the intestinal tract that can cause leaks and blockages. These patients will sometimes need surgery to remove the affected area and to prevent the disease from causing harm to any of the surrounding organs.

The biggest concern of IBD is that the constant attack on the intestinal tract leads to ulcers, fissures, and a higher risk of colon cancer. Because of this, patients are encouraged to have constant screenings to ensure that no polyps or abscesses develop. To learn more and to find medical professionals that can diagnose and treat you, visit http://www.medstarwashington.org