Inflammatory bowel disease is used to describe gastrointestinal conditions caused by chronic inflammation.
The most common forms of inflammatory bowel disease are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The most frequent symptoms of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis include diarrhea with mucus or blood, abdominal pain, fever, and decreased appetite accompanied by weight loss.
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus. The inflammation is usually discontinuous, and the damage to the intestine can affect all layers of the wall.
Ulcerative colitis primarily affects the colon and rectum, causing inflammation and ulcers on the inner lining of the intestine.
Therapeutic Techniques for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
At our clinic in Nafplio, there is the ability for comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and monitoring, by gastroenterologist Marina Kollia, of patients with idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Endoscopic/imaging examinations such as gastroscopy, colonoscopy, and bowel ultrasound can be performed.
Depending on the location of the disease and the symptoms, further tests may be required, such as endoscopic capsule examination of the small intestine, magnetic enterography, and computed tomography.
The treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases includes medication, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressive therapy, and biological agents.
Important factors aimed at achieving disease remission and improving patients’ quality of life include dietary adjustments and psychological support for the patients.
In severe cases, surgical intervention may be deemed necessary to remove the affected portion of the intestine.
