Introduced in 2011 by the US Senate, Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week occurs at the beginning of December annually. Nearly two million Americans have at least one of these forms of inflammatory bowel disease. This post will provide information on both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and helpful tips on maximizing the quality of life for those living with either of these health conditions.
What Is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term for two conditions (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) that are characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Prolonged inflammation results in damage to the GI tract.
What Causes IBD?
The exact cause of IBD is unknown, but IBD is the result of a weakened immune system. Possible causes are:
- The immune system responds incorrectly to environmental triggers, such as a virus or bacteria, which causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
- There also appears to be a genetic component. Someone with a family history of IBD is more likely to develop this inappropriate immune response.
–CDC
Ulcerative Colitis
Symptoms and Causes
Symptoms of ulcerative colitis vary from person to person and may include diarrhea, passing blood with your stool, and abdominal pain. Experts aren’t sure what causes ulcerative colitis but think genes, abnormal immune reactions, the microbiome, and the environment play a role.
Treatment
Doctors typically treat ulcerative colitis with medicines to reduce inflammation in the large intestine and help bring on and maintain remission. In some cases, doctors may recommend surgery to treat ulcerative colitis or complications.
Eating, Diet, and Nutrition
Ulcerative colitis symptoms may cause some people to lose their appetite and eat less, and they may not get enough nutrients. If you have ulcerative colitis, you should eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic, or long lasting, disease that causes inflammation and irritation in your digestive tract.
Symptoms and Causes
The most common symptoms of Crohn’s disease are diarrhea, cramping and pain in your abdomen, and weight loss. Doctors aren’t sure what causes Crohn’s disease.
Treatment
Doctors treat Crohn’s disease with medicines, bowel rest, and surgery. The goal of treatment is to decrease the inflammation in your intestines, to prevent flare-ups of your symptoms, and to keep you in remission.
Eating, Diet, and Nutrition
Good nutrition can help you manage Crohn’s disease. Changing your diet can help reduce symptoms. Depending on your symptoms or medicines, your doctor may recommend a specific diet, such as a diet that is high calorie, lactose free, or low fat.
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