The CDC reports that over 3.1 million individuals in America are experiencing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The two prevalent types of inflammatory bowel disease San Antonio are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. These two conditions are linked to long-lasting gastrointestinal (GI) tract irritation.
The GI or digestive tract comprises numerous empty internal organs linked to each other, from the mouth to the anus. Here are the issues that can make you prone to IBD and the possible complications of the condition.
IBD risk factors
Crohn’s disease, also medically called ileitis, is a chronic IBD characterized by an irritated lining of the GI tract. But, the continuous inflammatory symptoms of ulcerative colitis affect your rectum and the largest location of the large intestine.
You can get an inflamed digestive system if it has historically affected at least one of your immediate or close family members. For example, if your grandmother had inflammatory bowel disease, you may have inherited the diseased genetic materials.
There are also many potential triggers of IBD within your environment, such as smoking cigarettes. Smoking exposes your body’s organs to nicotine and other harmful chemicals that can trigger digestive tract inflammation.
Additionally, if you are depressed, stressed, or frequently use certain drugs, you can trigger or aggravate indicators of inflammatory bowel disease.
Potential complications of IBD
Inflammatory bowel disease can lead to bigger problems if you do not seek an effective medical solution.
If you have IBD, you are more at risk of clotting forming in your blood vessels, like veins. The North American Thrombosis Organization established that you are more than two times prone to blood coagulation if you have IBD.
Blood coagulation often occurs in your lower limbs. It is linked to symptoms such as light-colored skin and swelling. Swelling and tenderness of your digestive tract can lead to blood clots due to excess platelets and deficiency in anti-clotting factors.
Also, because IBD decreases colon health, it can increase your likelihood of developing malignant cells. The American Cancer Organization expects over 104,500 newly diagnosed colon cancer cases by the end of this year.
Likewise, the increase in severity of inflammatory bowel disease can cause problems to your vision, skin, and joints. You also risk being severely dehydrated if you have diarrhea episodes due to IBD.
Inflammatory bowel disease treatment solutions
Your health provider can address symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease by prescribing drugs that fight off bacterial infections. Immunosuppressive drugs can also help relieve the swelling and other symptoms of IBD.
An IBD specialist will recommend you adopt and maintain healthy lifestyle changes, including eating healthily and being physically fit.
For instance, you have to avoid alcohol, beverages, and foods that can worsen the inflammation of the digestive tract. Foods that can further irritate the digestive tract lining have a lot of spices or sugar, like soda.
Regularly engaging in physical activities is also important whether you have or do not have IBD. A body that is exercised regularly has a boost in its immunity.
Contact the Digestive & Liver Disease Center of San Antonio PLLC today to book an appointment with a specialist and learn more about gastrointestinal symptoms.