Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to different types of disorders that cause intense inflammation of the digestive tract. To treat this medical issue, an expert evaluates your symptoms and prescribes medications to manage the discomfort. Here is more information about inflammatory bowel disease and how it’s diagnosed:
What Is Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
Also known as IBD, this digestive health issue involves conditions that include Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s disease targets various parts of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus, and involves deeper layers of the bowel wall. Ulcerative colitis affects the colon and the rectum, involving only the innermost lining of the intestine. Fatigue, diarrhea, and blood in the stool are common signs of inflammatory bowel disease. Some people also experience weight loss, abdominal pain, and rectal bleeding, among other symptoms.
How Is It Diagnosed?
If left untreated, inflammatory bowel disease may damage your gastrointestinal tract and cause more digestive health problems. A doctor does several tests to diagnose this disease and assess the severity of the problem. Here are some diagnostic methods used for IBD:
Imaging Tests
A qualified doctor uses CT scans to see areas of swelling, thickened bowel walls, or any blockages within your digestive system. An MRI may show if your small intestines have fistulas, which is common in patients with Crohn’s disease. To determine if there are pockets of infection or abscess, a specialist uses these imaging tests. Such diagnostic methods identify strictures or narrowing of the bowels that are caused by chronic inflammation and scar tissue.
Blood and Stool Tests
People with IBD often have blood loss from the digestive system, which can lead to anemia and blood tests reveal whether they have anemia. To see how severe an inflammation is within your digestive tract, a doctor uses blood tests. Numerous digestive issues, such as diarrhea, can be caused by infections from bacteria, viruses, or parasites. A doctor conducts stool tests to determine whether these factors are causing your symptoms or not. If the tests show some blood in the stool, it may be a sign of ulceration, which is common in IBD.
Endoscopy or Colonoscopy
During endoscopy, a specialist examines the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, looking for signs of inflammation and ulcers. This test is commonly used in people with Crohn’s disease to identify blockages that interfere with normal digestion. A colonoscopy is used in patients with ulcerative colitis to check for growth and swelling in the large intestine and rectum. During this procedure, a doctor takes small tissue samples from different areas of the colon to confirm the diagnosis of IBD and rule out other conditions. In both procedures, a professional takes pictures of your digestive tract with a camera to diagnose the disease.
Book an Appointment To Get Tested for IBD
Since inflammatory bowel disease affects different parts of your digestive system, it’s helpful to confirm the extent and severity of the inflammation. Once your doctor has the results, they can offer suitable treatment to manage the symptoms properly. To improve your digestive health and get proper treatment, book an appointment today to get tested.