Diarrhea, loose stools, and abdominal pain might just be side effects of indigestion. However, if these occur frequently along with other symptoms, they could be warning signs of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), which can affect the digestive system and disrupt its proper functioning. This article will help you understand what IBD is and identify the three key symptoms that signal the risk of this condition, so you can act quickly and consult a doctor for timely treatment.

Getting to Know Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Ulcerative Colitis, UC) is a type of gastrointestinal inflammation (IBD) that results from inflammation of the colon’s inner lining, leading to ulcers and bleeding. This causes improper functioning of the digestive system, with the intestines contracting more rapidly. The disease usually starts acutely with severe symptoms that can subside quickly, sometimes with minimal treatment or none at all. This does not make it a dangerous disease, nor is it contagious. However, in some patients who leave the symptoms untreated for a prolonged period, the condition may worsen, leading to dehydration, blood infections, or organ failure, which could even result in death.

Three Warning Symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

 Let's observe if you're experiencing the following three key symptoms, which are warning signs of Inflammatory Bowel Disease:

1. Chronic diarrhea lasting more than a week, with watery stools that may contain blood or mucus.
2. Acute diarrhea with 10-20 bowel movements per day.
3. Periodic abdominal cramps, bloating, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and vomiting. If any of these symptoms match, it is advisable to consult a doctor immediately.

Causes of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

 Let’s take a look at the factors that may cause Inflammatory Bowel Disease to help us stay informed and prevent it:

1. Viral, Bacterial, or Parasitic Infections
   This is the most common cause, particularly from Salmonella and Escherichia coli (E. coli) contamination in food or water.
2. Antibiotics
   Caused by the bacteria Clostridioides difficile (C.diff), which can overgrow in the intestines when other bacteria, which normally control its population, are killed by certain antibiotics.
3. Allergies
   Lactose intolerance or soy allergies from consumed food can trigger inflammation.
4. Crohn’s Disease
   An autoimmune disorder triggered by genetic factors and environmental influences. This condition can also affect organs beyond the intestines, such as skin rashes, joint pain, or eye inflammation.
5. Colonic Ischemia
   Caused by inadequate blood supply to the colon due to conditions like blood clots, arterial blockages, or atherosclerosis.
6. Radiation Therapy
   A temporary side effect of radiation treatment for cancer.
7. Surgery
   Caused by surgeries that create an opening in the colon, diverting stool away from the affected area.

Diagnosis and Treatment

If you suspect you might have Inflammatory Bowel Disease, the doctor will typically diagnose and treat the condition as follows:

Diagnosis

1. Medical history and physical exam.
2. Blood tests.
3. Stool tests.
4. Electrolyte tests to check for dehydration.
5. X-ray imaging.
6. Endoscopy to examine the digestive tract and colon.

Treatment

1. Symptomatic treatment: Basic self-care such as replenishing lost minerals and electrolytes through oral rehydration solutions. Antibiotics or antivirals may be used for infections, and anti-inflammatory medications are prescribed for chronic cases of IBD.
2. Surgery: For severe cases, surgical intervention may be needed to treat complications like severe intestinal inflammation, necrosis, or bowel obstruction.

How to Care for Yourself and Prevent Inflammatory Bowel Disease

IBD is often related to lifestyle habits, especially eating habits. The easiest way to prevent it is by changing your lifestyle. Follow these guidelines:

1. Always eat cooked, clean, and hygienic food.
2. Wash your hands before eating and after using the restroom.
3. Clean meat, vegetables, and fruits thoroughly before cooking.
4. Eat a balanced diet with all five food groups.
5. Drink enough water, at least 2 liters per day.
6. Consume high-fiber foods to support digestion, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans.
7. Eat foods that promote beneficial gut bacteria, such as yogurt.
8. Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks.
9. Limit spicy and high-fat foods.
10. Exercise regularly to maintain overall health.
11. Sleep 7-8 hours per night to support your immune system.
12. Practice stress management techniques as stress directly impacts the immune system and increases the risk of IBD.
13. Have annual health check-ups.

As we can see, recognizing the symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease is not difficult, and if you suspect you have this condition, it’s better to consult a doctor for peace of mind. Also, remember to gradually change your habits as suggested for overall good health and to stay away from IBD and other diseases. For Krungthai-AXA Life Insurance customers interested in health care, more health articles can be read at https://www.krungthai-axa.co.th/th/health-advisories

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