There are many types of IBD, which is characterized by chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. Two common types are:
- Ulcerative colitis, which causes inflammation and ulcers along the superficial lining of the large intestine and rectum.
- Crohn's disease, which causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract and often involves deeper layers of tissue.
Symptoms of IBD usually are:
- Abdominal pain.
- Diarrhoea.
- Fatigue.
- Rectal bleeding.
- Weight loss.
Our private consultants in London understand that the condition can be uncomfortable and serious, sometimes leading to life-threatening complications. Our consultants take the time necessary to understand the extent of your disease and apply the latest diagnostic techniques to figure out your exact condition.
Common conditions managed in the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinic include:
Treatment
Once your consultant finds out the type and severity of your IBD, your treatment plan may be a single treatment or combination of treatments. The main goal is to reduce the inflammation that is causing your disease. For some people, treatment not only eases symptoms but also provides long-term remission.
IBD treatment often involves:
- Antibiotics.
- Anti-inflammatory medicines.
- Biologics.
- Immune system suppressors.
- Other medicines and supplements, such as anti-diarrheal medicines and pain relievers.
- Surgery.
Read more about IBD at MayoClinic.org.