Health

Inflammatory bowel diseases cause painful and often disabling symptoms.

WHAT IS IBD?

IBD (or chronic inflammatory bowel diseases) includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, both of which are characterized by inflammation of the wall of a part of the digestive tract, causing lesions.

WHAT IS CROHN'S DISEASE?

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects one or more parts of the digestive tract. It most often affects young adults, but can occur at any age, even in children. It progresses in periods of flare-ups and remission (calm); flare-ups generally result in abdominal pain, diarrhea with mucus and sometimes blood, and often fatigue.

WHAT IS ULCERATIVE COLITIS?

Ulcerative colitis (or UC) is a chronic disease that affects about 1 in 1,000 people and occurs mainly in young adults. This inflammatory disease, which affects the rectum and sometimes the entire colon (large intestine) or only part of it, progresses through periods of flare-ups and remissions. Flare-ups are generally manifested by abdominal pain, diarrhea with mucus, blood and fatigue.

DO WE KNOW THE CAUSES OF THESE TWO DISEASES?

No. They are not really known. However, there are genetic predispositions, immune system disorders and common environmental factors, including tobacco use. They are generally discovered between the ages of 20 and 30.

WHAT IS INFLAMMATORY COLITIS?

This is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon. It manifests itself by abdominal pain in spasms, bloating, constipation that often alternates with diarrhea and, sometimes, gastric reflux. The symptoms appear, then disappear. The periods of remission can last a long time, even without medication.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF THESE DISEASES?

The signs that can alert are mainly in the abdomen: abdominal pain accompanied by diarrhea that may contain blood or mucus. These signs are generally associated with fatigue, weight loss, anal pain with ulceration or fissure. It is the repetition of one or more of these signs that should suggest an inflammatory bowel disease.

HOW TO CONFIRM THE DIAGNOSIS?

If the symptoms are frequent and repetitive, the diagnosis will be confirmed:

Either by radiological examination (X-ray of the intestine). Given the low doses of X-rays used and the precautions taken, there is no risk associated with X-rays. However, report if you are pregnant or think you may be.

Either by endoscopic examination (anal exploration by a tube equipped with a camera) carried out under local or general anesthesia. Your doctor will inform you of the precautions and possible risks associated with anesthesia. An information form will be given to you.

Subsequently, if necessary, a biopsy will be performed. This consists of taking a tissue sample from an area where an abnormality has been detected. The tissue sample is then analyzed under a microscope to determine the nature of the condition and specify the diagnosis. The biopsy is performed under local anesthesia and generally does not cause any complications. The small bleeding that may appear following this sampling is normal and temporary.

CAN THESE DISEASES BE TREATED?

Treatments are increasingly effective. They can allow some patients to return to a near-normal life and considerably slow down the progression of the disease. The recent contribution of biotherapies is a great hope for many patients. These treatments are not suitable for all cases. Finally, the use of surgery is increasingly limited to certain cases that have not responded to treatment.

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF THESE DISEASES?

These diseases are disabling due to the discomfort they cause in daily life (multiplication of stools, abdominal pain, etc.). The fear of progression, with surgical intervention affecting the colon or anus, is an element that risks disrupting family, emotional, social and professional life.

Inflammatory colitis, Crohn's disease and UC are three diseases that include long periods of remission (calm). During these periods, treatment should not be interrupted without medical advice. It is important to follow your treatment carefully, even if symptoms improve.