A Gastroenterologist Provides Treatment for Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
A person suffering from inflammatory bowel disease needs a team of healthcare professionals to assist with living life as normally as possible. A gastroenterologist and a primary care physician should be included. Ongoing medical care is crucial because of the negative effects this disease can have. Gastroenterology treatments minimize symptoms so patients can continue living fully.
About IBD
This condition, commonly referred to as IBD, is categorized as both a gastrointestinal illness and a chronic autoimmune disorder. Severe diarrhea occurring with little warning, abdominal bloating and pain, and abnormal flatulence are the primary symptoms. This disease makes life challenging for those suffering from it. The symptoms are extremely unpleasant and can also be embarrassing.
Autoimmune disorders are conditions that cause progressive damage to the affected body parts. These diseases often are characterized by flareups and periods of time with no symptoms. During flareups, people may feel weak and fatigued, with a general sense of malaise. They may have to miss many days of work each year and avoid social activities when experiencing symptoms.
The two most prevalent types of this disorder are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Doctors diagnose the condition with a biopsy performed after a colonoscopy.
Two Immediate Goals
The gastroenterologist treating an IBD patient has immediate main goals for this individual.
Reducing Inflammation
One goal is to reduce the frequency of flareups with the use of prescription anti-inflammatory medication. Patients also can decrease inflammation in the body with dietary techniques. Eliminating or at least lowering the person's level of alcohol intake is beneficial. Foods containing significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids are recommended. Oily fish, like salmon and mackerel, contain high amounts of these substances.
Minimizing Symptoms
Another goal is to minimize symptoms when the disease is active. Patients learn to modify their diets for their own unique reactions to various foods and beverages. Stress-busting strategies can help, and so does regular exercise. Although IBD patients might not always feel like exercising, low-impact and moderate activities may decrease symptoms and even increase the time between flareups.
The Possibility of Remission
Long-term remission sometimes occurs after successful treatment and sometimes for no apparent reason. Physicians may not present remission as a specific goal, but this certainly is an outcome that patients strongly want. In the meantime, they can work on minimizing symptoms and increasing the time between flareups with the help of a gastroenterology specialist.
To learn more about IBD, contact a gastroenterologist near you.
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