IBD Treatment

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 3 million Americans were afflicted with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) during 2015. In fact, the number of IBD patients has increased significantly over the past 20 years or so. This condition can result in severe changes in bowel habits and make it challenging to plan day-to-day activities. Fortunately, there are several treatment options for those afflicted with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

What is IBD?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease or IBD is a term used to describe any condition that results in the chronic, long-term inflammation of your digestive tract. In particular, two disorders that may fall into this category are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. IBD can lead to long-lasting inflammation or ulcers in the digestive tract and tends to develop gradually over time.

What Are the Frequent Symptoms?

Some of the most common symptoms of IBD are similar to that of Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS. These include abdominal pain, abdominal tenderness, nausea, gas, diarrhea and/or constipation, mucus in the stool. However, there are also some unique symptoms such as:

Severe abdominal pain or cramping
Bloody or very dark stool
A sudden need to defecate.
Rectal pain or bleeding
Anemia due to the rectal blood loss
Unexplained weight loss
Joint pain
Low-grade fever of unknown origin
Unexplained rashes

How Is IBD Treated?

In most cases, the goal of Inflammatory Bowel Disease treatment is to relieve the inflammation that triggers your symptoms. This is often done through medication, surgery, or a combination of the two. Some changes in diet may also be necessary, particularly if certain foods tend to trigger your condition. Nutrition given intravenously or through a feeding tube can provide sustenance while allowing your bowels to rest. This is sometimes performed as an alternative to surgery.

Insurance Providers We Accept

We accept a wide range of insurance plans. For insurance coverage that isn’t listed, please contact your closest office location.

About Our Comprehensive Digestive Health Care

Our expert team helps people identify, treat, and manage their digestive irregularities. Allowing them to have incredible experiences in their lives that otherwise might not have been possible. We provide a comfortable environment in which we educate our patients to fully understand what is affecting their body and how it is best treated. Nuestro equipo es bilingüe.

Nutrition & Wellness
Digestive Health
IBS, Dyspepsia
Liver Disease

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease is a broad term used to describe conditions that cause chronic, long-term inflammation of your digestive tract. This inflammation can lead to ulcers and structural damage in the GI tract over time. The two most common disorders that fall into this category are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

What are the most frequent symptoms of IBD?

Many symptoms overlap with IBS, such as abdominal pain, gas, nausea, and diarrhea or constipation. However, IBD typically presents with more severe and unique warning signs, including bloody or very dark stool, unexpected weight loss, low-grade fevers, anemia due to rectal blood loss, joint pain, and severe abdominal cramping.

What is the difference between IBD and IBS?

While their abbreviations and some symptoms are similar, they are entirely different conditions. IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is a functional issue where the gut doesn’t work properly, but the tissue itself remains structurally normal. IBD is an autoimmune disease where your immune system attacks your intestinal lining, causing measurable inflammation, ulcers, and visible physical tissue damage.

Does my diet cause Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

No. There is no specific food, diet, or lifestyle choice that causes, prevents, or cures IBD. It is believed to be caused by a complex mix of genetic predispositions, environmental factors, and an abnormal immune response. However, keeping a food diary and modifying your diet—such as eating a low-fiber or low FODMAP diet—can be very helpful for managing your symptoms during an active flare-up.

How is IBD treated?

Because IBD causes physical damage to the digestive tract, treatment aims to relieve the underlying inflammation that triggers your symptoms. This is primarily done through targeted medications, ranging from anti-inflammatories to biologics that suppress the immune response. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged sections of the intestine, combined with specialized nutritional support.