Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Specialist
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Hardeep M. Singh, M.D.
Gastroenterologist located in Irvine, Newport Beach, and Orange, CA
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can cause inflammation and irritation of the digestive tract and can become dangerous if left untreated. If the unpleasant symptoms of IBD are holding you back, Hardeep M. Singh, MD, of Orange County, California, is ready to help. With treatment, you can manage your symptoms and even put your disease into long-term remission. Call the office today or make an appointment online. The practice is proud to serve the surrounding areas of Irvine, Newport Beach and Orange.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
What is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?
IBD is an umbrella term to describe any disease that causes inflammation in the digestive tract. The two main types of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which have different causes but similar symptoms.
What are the symptoms of IBD?
Whether you have Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis, the symptoms of IBD most often include:
- Diarrhea
- Fever and fatigue
- Cramping and abdominal pain
- Reduced or nonexistent appetite
- Unintended and drastic weight loss
These symptoms can quickly become debilitating without treatment, so it’s important to see a doctor if you think you have symptoms of IBD. With treatment, the disease can be managed, but if left ignored, IBD could cause serious and life-threatening complications.
What is the difference between Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis?
Both of these forms of IBD cause swelling and irritation of the tissues in your digestive tract, but they cause this inflammation in different ways.
If you have ulcerative colitis, inflammation is accompanied by the appearance of long-lasting ulcers in the colon. These ulcers typically affect the innermost layers of tissue in the colon and develop slowly over time.
Crohn’s disease usually develops gradually as well, but it can appear suddenly in some people. Crohn’s disease does not cause ulcers in the colon, but the inflammation it causes often penetrates deeper into the lining of the digestive tract. While ulcerative colitis most often affects segments of the colon, Crohn’s disease can attack other parts of the digestive system.
How is IBD treated?
While neither Crohn’s disease nor ulcerative colitis has a cure, with the right medical care, you can manage your symptoms and even have a chance for long-term remission. Both forms of IBD are typically treated with one or more anti-inflammatory medications, like corticosteroids, to help relieve swelling in the digestive tract. Immune system suppressors that limit the body’s ability to cause inflammation can also be used. Other medications, like antibiotics, anti-diarrheal treatments, and mild pain relievers like ibuprofen can also be a part of treatment for IBD.
If the symptoms of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis are causing your quality of life to suffer, call Hardeep M. Singh, MD, today to make an appointment, or use the online scheduling tool.
