What is inflammatory bowel disease?
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encompasses a group of chronic digestive disorders that cause inflammation of the digestive tract. The two main types are ulcerative colitis, which mainly affects the colon and rectum, and Crohn’s disease, which can affect any part of the digestive tract.
It affects both adults and young people and is usually diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 35. Although it is not a hereditary disease per se, there is a genetic predisposition that, combined with environmental factors, can trigger an abnormal immune response, causing chronic intestinal inflammation.
Causes and risk factors of inflammatory bowel disease
Although there is no single cause that explains the origin of IBD, several risk factors are known to influence its onset and development:
- Genetic predisposition: having direct relatives with IBD may increase the risk.
- Environmental factors: smoking, diet, the use of antibiotics, or intestinal infections may act as triggers.
- Altered immune response: in people with IBD, the immune system overreacts to the presence of normal gut bacteria, leading to chronic intestinal inflammation.
Common symptoms of IBD
It is a chronic condition that progresses in flares. That is, patients alternate between symptomatic periods and remission stages, during which the symptoms disappear with appropriate treatment. The frequency and severity of flares vary by individual case, although it is estimated that 50% of patients experience mild symptoms and spend most of the time asymptomatic.
Symptoms vary depending on the type of IBD, but usually include:
- Persistent abdominal pain
- Frequent diarrhea, sometimes with blood
- Fatigue and weight loss
- Fever and general discomfort, especially during active flares
How is inflammatory bowel disease diagnosed?
Diagnosing IBD requires a combination of clinical, laboratory, and imaging tests to confirm inflammation, rule out other digestive disorders, and assess the extent of intestinal involvement.
Main tests to diagnose IBD:
- Blood and stool tests to detect inflammation and rule out infections.
- Endoscopy or colonoscopy, which allow direct observation of the intestine and biopsy sampling to confirm the diagnosis.
- Imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT), useful for assessing the extent and location of lesions.
Early diagnosis is key to controlling flares and preventing long-term complications such as strictures, fistulas, or an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Treatment of inflammatory bowel disease
The goal of inflammatory bowel disease treatment is to control inflammation, reduce symptoms, and extend remission periods. Each case is different, so the approach must be personalized according to the disease’s progression and the patient’s needs.
Most common therapeutic options:
- Drug therapy: anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, or biological therapies that regulate the immune response.
- Adapted diet: although there is no single diet, avoiding certain foods can help reduce symptoms during flares.
- Surgery: in severe cases or when complications arise, resection of the affected part of the intestine may be necessary.
Ongoing medical follow-up is essential, as this is a condition that requires long-term management. With proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment, many people with IBD can lead active lives with good quality of life.
At CreuBlanca, we have a team of digestive system specialists and advanced diagnostic technology that allows us to accurately identify the disease and offer comprehensive, personalized treatment. If you experience persistent digestive symptoms, consult our specialists for a full assessment.