If you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), you may be wondering if you should participate in a clinical trial.

Clinical trials are research studies that test new treatments or ways to prevent, detect, or manage disease.

They are an important part of finding new and better ways to treat IBD. Before you decide to participate in a clinical trial, it is important to talk with your doctor and learn as much as you can about the trial.

You should also talk with the clinical trial staff and ask any questions you have.

You can find out if a clinical trial is right for you and if it is, what steps you need to take to participate.

In this useful article we will talk about IBD, discussing the causes, symptoms and treatments and how a clinical trial can be beneficial to you.

What is IBD?

Irritable bowel disease (IBD) is a broad term used to describe conditions that involve chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The inflammation can occur anywhere from the mouth to the anus.

The two most common types of IBD are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

IBD can be debilitating and cause a range of symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue.

There is no cure for IBD, but there are treatments available to help manage the symptoms.

Crohn’s Disease Explained

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

It is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract. Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus.

It is a relapsing and remitting disease, which means that it comes and goes.

There are periods of remission, when the disease is inactive, and periods of relapse, when the disease is active.

The most common symptoms are abdominal pain and diarrhea, but Crohn’s can also lead to weight loss, fatigue, anemia, and joint pain.

If you are living with Crohn’s disease, it is important to find a doctor that you trust and who is knowledgeable about the disease.

Ulcerative Colitis Explained

An ulcer is an open sore or lesion.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic, inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the large intestine and rectum.

The lining of the colon becomes inflamed, leading to ulcers, which can bleed and produce pus.

The inflammation can also cause the intestine to empty frequently, leading to diarrhea.

Ulcerative colitis is a serious condition that can be debilitating and even life-threatening.

What Causes IBD?

There are many different possible causes of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but the exact cause is still unknown.

It is thought to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and immunological factors.

Studies have shown that people with IBD are more likely to have certain genes, which may make them more susceptible to the disease.

Environmental factors, such as a history of infectious gastrointestinal illness, may also play a role.

The immune system is thought to be involved in the development of IBD, but the exact mechanism is not fully understood.

What are The Symptoms of IBD?

There are many different symptoms of IBD, and they can vary from person to person.

Some common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Blood in the stool

IBD can also cause other problems, such as:

• Joint pain
• Skin problems
• Eye problems
• Mouth sores

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis.

What Are the Treatments For IBD?

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), as the condition varies from person to person.

However, there are a range of treatment options available that can help to manage the symptoms and improve quality of life.

These include medication, surgery, and lifestyle changes. Working with a healthcare team who understands IBD can make a big difference in finding the right treatment plan for you.

What Are Clinical Trials?

Clinical trials are research studies that test how well new medical approaches work in people.

These studies also may show which medical approaches are best for certain illnesses or groups of people.

Why Participate in Clinical Trials?

When it comes to research and developing new treatments, clinical trials are an essential process.

By participating in a clinical trial, you can not only potentially benefit from receiving a new or innovative treatment, but you can also help advance medical knowledge and improve treatments for others.

Additionally, clinical trials offer the opportunity to receive quality medical care from experienced staff and receive close monitoring during the trial period.

If you are considering participating in a clinical trial, be sure to do your research and talk to your doctor to learn more about the potential risks and benefits.

Clinical Trial Phases

In essence, a clinical trial is an integral research tool whose sole purpose is to advance medical knowledge which, in turn, improves patient care.

This tool is important for unearthing new treatments for diseases.

It also helps researchers discover novel methods for disease detection and diagnosis which can help reduce the likelihood of the disease developing to a significant point in the first place.

Phase I Clinical Trials

The first phase of clinical trials evaluates the drug for safety, to determine side effects.

Phase II Clinical Trials

The second phase measures the effectiveness of the drug against the illness, to determine side effects and start determining the dosage.  It is usually compared to a placebo or dummy drug to see how well it works.

Phase III Clinical Trials

The final and third phase recruits more patient numbers, continues to assess the effectiveness of the drug against the illness, determine side effects and narrows down the correct dosage.
The trail drug is still usually compared to a placebo, or it can be compared against a drug already available on the market. 

Join a Clinical Trial

You’re ready – you know the benefits, you understand the reasoning for clinical trials, and maybe you’d like to participate when you have the opportunity.

Over at Spoke Research, we specialize in inflammatory bowel disease research and trials.

We study new treatments, conduct tests and evaluate their effects on human health.

We have a professional team consisting of a gastroenterologist, a medical doctor, and an experienced G.I.T. nurse. You’re in good hands with us on your side.

If you’d like to participate in our clinical research as a patient, please apply to join a medical trial.

Contact an Expert

Although IBD can be a debilitating and painful disease, there is hope for those who suffer from it.

With the right treatment plan, which may include clinical trials, many people with IBD are able to live relatively normal lives.

If you or someone you know has IBD, talk to your doctor about all of your treatment options, including clinical trials.

Dr George and Dr. Deetlefs are clinical investigators at Spoke Research Inc and became involved in Clinical Research in 2017, and now runs the Inflammatory Bowel Disease trials.

If you’d like to take part in a clinical trial, join us here:

Apply for Crohn’s Disease Trial

Apply for Ulcerative Colitis Trial

We are here to provide you with expert medical advice in the field of clinical research with years of experience.

Contact us to find out more on clinical trials and treatment.