Inflammatory Bowel Disease Essay -- Diseases, Disorders

The term Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a general name given to a few disorders that all fall under the category of inflamed intestines (they become red and swollen.) This is usually due to a reaction the body causes against its own intestinal tissue. The two most common types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease are Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn’s Disease (CD). Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract; however, it more commonly affects the small intestine or colon. Inflammatory Bowel Disease is a chronic disease, which means that it lasts a long time and can occur frequently. There are some cases where a person will only suffer from one occurrence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and then be in remission from there on. Others will have many occurrences. Sufferers of Inflammatory Bowel Disease will go through stages of flare ups and symptoms. Both Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease share the same stages of symptoms. When the diseases are considered active, this is when there is inflammation and irritation. When the diseases are considered to be in remission, the inflammation is lessened or non-existent with no symptoms. The most common sign or symptom of both Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s disease is abdominal pain and diarrhea. â€Å"Diarrhea can range from mild to severe (as many as 20 or more trips to the bathroom a day). If the diarrhea is extreme, it can lead to dehydration, rapid heartbeat, and a drop in blood pressure. And continued loss of small amounts of blood in the stool can lead to anemia.† (Rosario, 2011) Constipation may also occur due to an obstruction in the intestine or inflammation. Symptoms may depend on which section of the gastrointestinal tract is affected, and may also range in... ...lt in depression. If depression occurs there are also support groups and counseling available to patients suffering from these diseases. Works Cited Harvey, S. (2010, September 28). Health central. Retrieved from http://www.healthcentral.com/ibd/irritable-bowel-syndrome-000069_7-145.html Mayo Clinical Staff. Inflammatory bowel disease. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/inflammatory-bowel-disease/DS01195/DSECTION= tests-and-diagnosis Rosario, J. F. D. (2011). Kids health. Retrieved from http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/digestive/ibd.html Rowe, W. (n.d.). Inflammatory bowel disease. Retrieved from http://www.emedicinehealth.com/inflammatory_bowel_disease/article_em.htm Tresca, A. (2009, May 2). The Difference between ulcerative colitis and crohn. Retrieved from http://ibdcrohns.about.com/od/ulcerativecolitis/a/diffuccd.htm