Inflammatory bowel disease is characterized by ulcerations in small or large intestine. Two common inflammatory bowel diseases are Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is disease characterized by ulcerations in large intestine
Common Symptoms are
Diarrhoea
Blood in stool
Urgency (patient has to rush to toilet)
Incontinence (passage of stool in cloths)
Pain abdomen
Weight loss
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is confirmed by colonoscopy and biopsy
Treatment
Treatment depends upon severity of disease
Mild disease is treated by Mesalamines
Moderated and severe disease is treated by Steroids, antimetabolites, and Infliximab
Severe cases may require surgeryCrohn’s disease
Crohn’s disease is characterized by ulceration in small and large bowel.
Symptoms of Crohn’s disease are
Pain in umbilical region
Diarrhea
Blood in stool
Vomiting and upper abdominal pain
Weight loss
Fever
Abdominal lump
Diagnosis
Following tests are required for the diagnosis and evaluation of extent of the disease
Colonoscopy and biopsy
CT enterography
Barium study
Double balloon enteroscopy
Capsule endoscopy
Treatment
Treatment depends upon the severity and extent of disease
Mild disease is treated by mesalamine
Moderate disease is treated by oral steroids and antimetabolites
Severe disease activity may require steroids, antimetabolites and Infliximab
Surgery is reserved for severe but localized disease, and stricturing disease
