Inflammatory Bowel Disease: 10 Terms to Know

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of conditions that cause inflammation of parts of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Although the exact cause is still unknown, the inflammation occurs because the body’s immune system mistakenly begins attacking tissue in the digestive tract.

The influx of white blood cells thus causes the inflammation, which leads to the additional symptoms of IBD. Although scientists still have much to discover about the different types of IBD, there are many things they do know. 

1. Irritable bowel syndrome: IBS mimics some of the symptoms of IBD, but it does not increase the risk of fatality. While IBD symptoms result from the chronic inflammation, IBS occurs when the digestive muscles don’t contract and release normally. It is important to recognize the difference between the two; although IBS can often be easily treated from home once diagnosed, IBD requires very careful continued work. Weight loss, fever, and bloody stool are not associated with IBS. 
2. Ulcerative colitis: Ulcerative colitis is one of the more common types of IBD. Patients often lose weight, feel tired, and experience progressively softer bowel movements, often with blood and severe cramping. Ulcerative colitis is more common in men and affects only the colon, unlike Crohn’s disease. 
3. Crohn’s disease: Women are more likely to develop Crohn’s disease, which can cause inflammation at any point in the digestive tract. There is no cure for Crohn’s disease, although some surgeries may provide temporary relief. Although the symptoms are very similar to that of ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease may also cause trouble for the liver, as well as the eyes, joints, and skin. 
4. Bowel obstruction: Bowel obstructions are a complication of IBD, particularly Crohn’s disease. Because of the chronic inflammation, the tissue becomes swollen. Scar tissue builds up, and the tissue becomes thicker, which makes the openings smaller. Eventually, they may become small enough to prevent the proper passing of waste and get clogged up, requiring surgery. 
5. Ulcer: The inflammation of IBD can also cause ulcers, or open sores that form in the tissue which can be very sensitive and painful. Although stomach ulcers are a relatively common and well known problem, ulcers can form anywhere in the digestive tract, from mouth to the anus -- and even the genital. 
6. Fistula: If not properly taken care of, ulcers can turn into fistulas. A fistula is an ulcer that has become so severe it effectively eats through the layer of tissue on which it has formed and into whatever is connected to the organ. It can create connections between two parts of the bowels that should not be connected, and even between organs that are not part of the GI system. The vagina, bladder, and skin are most common, and waste leaks into them through the fistula. 
7. Gastroenterologist: Although you will probably speak first with your general practitioner if you suspect something is amiss in your abdomen, he or she may recommend you to a gastroenterologist. Gastroenterologists are doctors who specialize in the GI tract, as well as the biliary system (which consists of the liver, gall bladder, and other similar organs). They are trained more specifically to recognize and treat conditions that are specific to these systems.
8. Endoscopy: In order to properly diagnose IBD, your gastroenterologist will perform a endoscopic procedure. This consists of many different options for viewing the inside of the digestive tract, generally using a small tube attached to a lighted camera that is inserted. Depending on which areas the doctor needs to see, a colonoscopy (the entire colon), sigmoidoscopy (the end of the colon), upper endoscopy (the top half of the digestive tract, starting at the mouth), or capsule endoscopy (a pill shaped camera moves through the GI tract) may be necessary. 
9. Proctocolectomy: While a colectomy is the removal of just the colon, a proctocolectomy removes the colon as well as the rectum. Although many treatments for IBD are available before surgery, not everyone responds to these. Although this cannot cure Crohn’s disease because inflammation can still occur on other parts of the digestive tract, removing the colon is considered “curing” ulcerative colitis, because there is no longer a colon to be effected. 
10. Ileoanal anastomosis: In some instances, especially with proctocolectomies, an alternative method is necessary to get rid of waste. Sometimes the small intestine’s ending can be made into a sort of pocket that is attached to the anus, so that bowel movements are still performed more or less normally. Unfortunately, this is not possible in every case, and a bag must be externally attached through the abdomen.