Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes the conditions of ulcerative colitis, crohn’s disease and diverticulitis.  In order to be classified as chronic IBD a person must have diarrhea (at least up to 20 stools during an acute flare-up), cramping abdominal pain, and exacerbations (flare-ups).  Total Home Health understands how much of a nuisance it can be to continually plan your daily routine around your bowel schedule with IBD in hopes of not going out somewhere and having to run to the bathroom because of multiple episodes of diarrhea.  Allow us to explain the differences in these conditions related to chronic IBD.

·      Ulcerative Colitis

ü  Swelling and inflammation of the rectum and sigmoid colon (the last part of the large intestine that leads to the rectum).

ü  May affect the entire length of the colon.

ü  Bowel obstructions may occur.

ü  Changes in the cells in the mucosa lining of the intestines due to compensating for the inflammation and swelling may lead to colon cancer or insufficient production of the intrinsic factor, which will lead to pernicious anemia…or lack of vitamin B12.

ü  Associated symptoms include:

o   Abdominal pain/cramping, generally in the left lower area of the abdomen

o   Loss of appetite and weight loss

o   Fever

o   Diarrhea – up to 15 to 20 stools per day

o   Mucus, blood or pus can be present in the stool

o   Large abdomen that is tender and/or firm if touched

o   Rectal bleeding

o   High-pitched bowel sounds will be heard if your provider listens    

·      Crohn’s Disease

ü  Inflammation and ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract that can involve the entire gastrointestinal (GI) tract from the mouth the anus.

ü  All layers of the intestine may be involved.

ü  Fistulas are common (abnormal connections between organs).

ü  Vitamin and mineral supplements, including vitamin B12 injections may be necessary.

ü  Associated symptoms include:

o   Abdominal pain/cramping, generally in the right lower area of the abdomen

o   Loss of appetite and weight loss

o   Fever

o   Diarrhea – up to 5 loose stools per day with mucus or pus present

o   Large abdomen that is tender and/or firm if touched

o   High-pitched bowel sounds will be heard if your provider listens

o   Fatty stools may be present and appear light in color, such as white or tan

·      Diverticulitis

ü  Inflammation of the diverticula (pouches that form in the intestine) that frequently occurs in the colon.

ü  Only about 10% of those with diverticula will develop diverticulitis.

ü  Diverticula may bleed and the loss of blood may be either minimal or severe.

ü  Diverticula may also perforate (get holes in them) and lead to other complications.

ü  Associated symptoms include:

o   Abdominal pain in the left lower abdominal area

o   Nausea and vomiting

o   Fever and chills

o   Fast heart rate

Risk factors for these conditions may vary person to person and may include:

·      Genetics

ü  Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

·      Culture

ü  Caucasians (ulcerative colitis), Jewish (ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease).

·      Gender and age

ü  Incidence of ulcerative colitis peaks during adolescence to young adulthood more often in females, and the incidence peaks during older adulthood more often in males.

ü  Crohn’s disease may be diagnosed at any age.

ü  Diverticulitis occurs more often in older adults and affects males more frequently.

·      Diet

ü  A diet low in fiber may predispose a person to ulcerative colitis and the development of diverticula.

·      Smoking

ü  Smokers have an increased risk of developing Crohn’s disease.

ü  Non-smokers have an increased risk of developing ulcerative colitis.

·      Other factors

ü  Stress, autoimmune issues, and infection.

If you or your loved one suffer from any of the signs and symptoms as listed above on a regular basis, it would be a good idea to approach your doctor for a medical opinion to receive treatment to manage your condition.  There are various diagnostic procedures your provider may perform in order to confirm your diagnosis of a chronic IBD condition including an abdominal x-ray, CT scan, barium enema, and/or a colonoscopy.  Your provider will provide you with more in-depth information about the diagnostic procedures once they are recommended for you.  After you’re diagnosed your treatment plan will be highly individualized for your particular condition and symptoms.  It could include everything from making simple lifestyle changes to surgical procedures depending on the extent to which you are affected.

Total Home Health has a program that is right for you.  Our professionals will accompany you in the comforts of your own home in order to continue your treatment for your chronic IBD condition(s) with the goal of managing your symptoms and preventing flare-ups from frequently occurring.  There are several lifestyle and dietary changes that can be modified that we will encourage you to take part in, so that you may continue to lead a life with less interruptions to run to the bathroom…enroll with us today!