IBD Described


IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), is the most common form of inflammatory condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract.

IBD is an umbrella term that includes both Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

There is some overlap between these conditions; but, they are very different in terms of cause, symptoms, and treatment.

 

–        Crohn’s Disease

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

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

Crohn’s disease is an autoimmune disease, which means that the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells.

*  The disease is marked by periods of inflammation followed by periods of remission

–        Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the large intestine and rectum. The disease is marked by periods of inflammation followed by periods of remission.  There is no cure for ulcerative colitis, but treatment can help control symptoms.

*  The disease is marked by periods of inflammation followed by periods of remission

IBD Symptoms


IBD can also lead to other health problems, such as malnutrition and weight loss.

IBD is a lifelong disease with no cure, but there are treatments that can help control the symptoms.

Symptoms of IBD can vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe.
Some of the most common symptoms include:

  • Fatigue
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain and cramping
  • Bloody stool
  • Reduced appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Constipation
  • Fever

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

ibd_causes_symptoms

Causes of IBD

 

To fully understand the causes of IBD, you need to look at what’s already in place, since there is no one cause.

Surveys have found that a person’s risk for developing IBD could be influenced by environmental factors and at the same time, there are biological and genetic factors that can also contribute to a person’s likelihood of developing the disease.

Stress and a certain diet have been found to aggravate IBD but are not the cause of IBD.

 

Home Remedies for IBD

There is no concrete evidence that a certain diet actually causes inflammatory bowel disease, but some food and beverages can cause aggravation in your signs and symptoms.

It is helpful to keep a food diary and track of what you eat, which food groups causes flare-ups and then try to eliminate those foods.

Here is a general dietary suggestion in helping you manage your condition and preventing flare-ups.

  • Limiting dairy products
  • Eating smaller meals
  • Increase liquid intake
  • Take multivitamins
  • Reducing stress
  • Increase exercise
  • Breathing exercises
  • Take a probiotic
  • Join a support group
  • Avoid processed foods
  • Avoid high-carbohydrate foods

There are some studies that show the use of natural remedies to be helpful in the case of IBD.

Here are some suggested remedies for people suffering from Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease:

  • Yoga or meditation
  • Omega-3
  • Exercise
  • Avoid food triggers
  • Eat small meals
  • Avoid alcohol

ibd_diet

 

IBS Described

 

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS as it is commonly known as, is a gastrointestinal disorder that refers to a group of symptoms associated with irregular bowel movements.

This can mean either more frequent or infrequent bowel movements that may lead to discomfort in the lower belly.

It’s not uncommon for people with IBS to have cramping and bloating, general discomfort and even diarrhea.

IBS Symptoms

 

IBS symptoms may be experienced at the same time or alternately. The following are the common symptoms of IBS:

  • Pain and cramping
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Abdominal Bloating

The symptoms of IBS experienced vary from person to person. 

Should one experience blood in the stool, it is recommended to consult your doctor immediately.

ibd_symtoms

Causes of IBS


The exact cause of the disorder is unknown, but experts believe it may be linked to the small intestine experiencing abnormal gut movement and muscle contractions.

Other factors such as diet, stress levels and lack of exercise can also contribute to the condition.

Depending on your symptoms you could develop certain IBS food intolerances which can in turn trigger symptoms.

 

Home Remedies for IBS

 

Diet and lifestyle changes can reduce the signs and symptoms of IBS.
These changes include the following:

  • Drink more water
  • Limit laxative intake
  • Eat a more fiber-rich diet
  • Get more exercise

Bowel relaxants like peppermint oil and chamomile can also soothe IBS symptoms.

 

Diagnosis for IBD

 

In order to help with a diagnosis from your doctor, you will need a combination of tests and procedures to rule out other possible causes for your symptoms.

Diagnosing methods for IBD and IBS include:

  • Lab Testing
    Your doctor may suggest blood tests to check for a possibility of anemia.
  • Stool Test
    Your doctor might order a stool sample to test for parasites in your stool.
  • Colonoscopy
    A colonoscopy is an exam of the lower part of the gastrointestinal tract, which is called the colon or large intestine (bowel).

Colonoscopy is a safe procedure that provides information other tests may not be able to give.

Patients who require colonoscopy often have questions and concerns about the procedure.

Colonoscopy is performed by inserting a device called a colonoscope into the anus and advanced through the entire colon (See the figure).

The procedure generally takes between 10 minutes and one hour.

 

ibd_symtoms_infographic

 

Join a Clinical Trial:

clinical trial is a research study that evaluates a new medical treatment.

These studies are done in phases, typically with three phases being the norm.

Phase 1 – This phase of clinical trials evaluates the drug for safety, to determine side effects.

Phase 2 – This 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 3 – 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.

Spoke Research Inc is a clinical research company dedicated to the clinical research of Diseases of the Immune System.

Spoke Research performs various Clinical Trials with the hope of finding a better treatment for IBD.

Spoke Research was created in 2017 after we were approached to partake in clinical research trials in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Since this offered our patients access to novel treatments, we decided to embark on this journey with our patients and Sponsors.

Dr George and Dr. Deetlefs are both clinical investigators at Spoke Research Inc.

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

Dr. Deetlefs has admitting rights and performs endoscopies at both Mediclinic Milnerton and Life Vincent Pallotti Hospitals in Cape Town.

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.

  

Medical surveys

Future treatments are now one step closer. 

Contact us

Spoke Research Inc
Mediclinic Milnerton,
Suite 109
Racecourse Rd, Milnerton
Cape Town

0215518678

Mon – Thurs: 08:00-15:00
Fri: 08:00-12:00
Sat: Closed

info@spokeresearch.co.za

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