FAQs

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?

The main symptoms of IBD typically include diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and abdominal tenderness or pain. Some signs that your doctor may check for are fever, increased heart rate, weight loss, hypotension (low blood pressure) and anemia (abnormally low number of red blood cells).

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Who has IBD?

Approximately 1 million people suffer from IBD in the U.S., with roughly 2/3 having ulcerative colitis (UC), and the other 1/3 having Crohn's disease (CD). Adults and adolescents aged 15 to 35 years are most susceptible to IBD. Men and women are affected by IBD almost equally. There is a greater incidence of UC in Caucasians than in minorities, and a higher incidence in the Jewish population.

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What Causes IBD?

The cause of IBD is unknown, although there are some theories. Scientists think that a person's genetic predisposition, an immune system dysfunction and environmental triggers may play a role in the development or exacerbation of IBD.

Genetic Predisposition – IBD tends to run in families. Approximately 20% of people with UC have a close relative with IBD. At this time, however, there is no way to predict if certain family members will develop the disease.

Immune Dysfunction – Some researchers believe that the body's immune system may inappropriately respond to normal proteins in the body, creating inflammation in order to try and fight "foreign" substances.

Environmental Triggers – Ulcerative colitis is known to be a disease largely of non-smokers. Research suggests that cigarette smoking may have a preventive effect against the development of UC. Whereas the opposite seems to be true in persons with Crohn's disease. Investigation is currently being made into whether nicotine is of therapeutic value to patients suffering from UC. Other possible triggers such as living in an urban setting and psychological factors (i.e., stress) may play a role in the development or exacerbation of UC.

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How is Ulcerative Colitis Diagnosed?

Your doctor may complete a physical exam to check for the common signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis (bleeding from the rectum, diarrhea, fever, weight loss), and also review your medical history to determine if ulcerative colitis runs in your family.

If your physician is suspicious that UC may be the reason for your symptoms, he or she may order a series of tests to confirm those suspicions. Some important tests that your doctor may order are:

Laboratory Workups – Your doctor may take blood and stool samples. A blood test can detect anemia, which occurs when the concentration of hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in the blood, is below normal. The blood test will also detect any vitamin, mineral and electrolyte deficiencies.

Sigmoidoscopy – This test is a visual examination of part of the colon and rectum. An instrument with a light source at one end will be inserted into your rectum to detect any areas of bleeding and ulcerations that may exist.

Colonoscopy – Similar to the sigmoidoscopy examination, colonoscopy also requires that an instrument with a light source be inserted into the rectum. With this test, more of the large intestine can be observed. Some devices have the ability to take a tissue sample, take pictures of your intestine or allow your doctor to perform minor surgery.

Barium Enema – The barium enema includes a substance called barium sulfate, which is pumped into the large intestine through the anus, to allow the colon to be visualized. An X-ray is then taken of the large intestine to reveal any abnormalities in its shape and surface.

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How Is Ulcerative Colitis Treated?

Currently, there is no cure for UC, except through surgical removal of the colon. However, symptoms can be controlled by anti-inflammatory medications prescribed by your doctor.

Once your doctor has confirmed that you indeed have UC, he or she will evaluate treatment choices with you.

Some types of medications that your doctor may prescribe include:

Aminosalicylates (5-ASAs) – These are aspirin-like drugs that help to control the inflammation that occurs during a flare-up. Examples of these medications include balsalazide, mesalamine, olsalazine and sulfasalazine.

Corticosteroids – Corticosteriods, such as prednisone and methylprednisolone, are also anti-inflammatory medications; however, they are typically reserved for more severe cases of UC. Corticosteriods are not recommended for long-term use due to the side effects that may occur.

Immunosuppressants – These medicines include azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) and cyclosporine. Immunosuppressants are usually given to patients who do not respond well to aminosalicylates or corticosteroids.

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