Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

When we discuss Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), it’s easier to think of it as an umbrella term that includes Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn’s Disease (CD). Both of these chronic digestive conditions are characterized by symptoms like inflammation and GI distress at different locations in the GI tract.

Ulcerative Colitis generally targets the large intestine, AKA colon
Crohn’s Disease can target any location along the GI tract, although it commonly targets the small intestine and may target multiple locations of the intestine [Source: Hopkins Medicine]

Common IBD symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, urgency to defecate or fecal incontinence. This page provides information to help you better understand IBD so you can discuss IBD symptoms and explore treatment options with your GI specialist.

Ulcerative Colitis • UC

Limited to the colon

Starts in rectum – extends up colon
Diffuse, continuous pattern of inflammation
Mucosa (surface lining) involvement

Crohn’s Disease • CD

Anywhere from the mouth to anus

Patchy distribution of inflammation
Transmural inflammation (full thickness of
gut lining = deeper inflammation)
Most commonly affects terminal ileum & colon

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal

Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Nausea/vomiting
Mucus/blood in stool
Bloating
Incomplete evacuation
Urgency
Incontinence
Rectal pain

Systemic

Fever
Weight loss
Fatigue
Anxiety/Depression

Note: IBD symptoms can be similar to IBS

Extraintestinal Manifestations

Joints (Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis)
Skin (Erythema Nodosum, Pyoderma)
Eyes (uveitis) Oral ulcers (Apthae)

Most At Risk

Young Adults Aged 15-35

25% of people with IBD develop the disease before the age of 18.

3.1 million adults (1.3%) in the U.S. are diagnosed with IBD, incidence is increasing both in U.S. & worldwide.

Potential diagnosis at any age

Treat To Target Strategy

1

Use Steroid-Sparing Strategy To Treat Symptoms

Decrease bleeding, frequency, urgency, pain etc.

2

Decrease Inflammation

Assessed by blood/stool biomarkers, endoscopic assessment (mucosal healing = bowel healing)

!

Aspirational Goal = Functional Remission

Having the patient get control of their life again, so they can get back to work, social life, travel, and family gatherings. Gastro of the Rockies has multiple advanced therapies available with varying mechanisms of action and modes of administration (oral, IV, subcutaneous) to target inflammation and treat patients with IBD.

IBD & IBS: Similarities & Differences

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is the Inflammation or destruction of the bowel wall, leading to sores & narrowing of the intestines. It is a structural disease where physical damage causes symptoms. Doctors can see chronic inflammation or ulcers when they inspect the gut.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It is a functional disease, which means that tests (such as a colonoscopy, stool or blood tests) won’t show any physical reason for symptoms. It’s possible to have both IBD and IBS.

IBD Symptoms

Loss of appetite/weight loss
Inflammation of skin, joints, or eyes
Fever
loody/black Stool
Anemia
Fatigue

Main Difference

Visible inflammation in examination
Can get progressively worse
Risk of colon cancer, surgery, hospitalization

IBS Symptoms

Nausea
Gas
Bloating/cramping
Trouble Sleeping
Fatigue
Constipation

Main Difference:

No visible changes seen in examination

IBD and IBS

Dr. Joshua Steinberg: Director of IBD

Joshua M. Steinberg, MD, is the Director of IBD with advanced IBD training from the University of Chicago. Dr. Steinberg takes a comprehensive approach in treating patients with Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis ranging from mild to severely complex disease.