Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, is an umbrella term for ongoing inflammation of the digestive tract. The two main forms are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. They behave a little differently, but both are chronic conditions that tend to flare and quiet down over time.
If you have had digestive symptoms that keep coming back, you do not have to sort it out alone. Our gastroenterologists in Akron and Massillon diagnose IBD, confirm which type you have, and build a plan to calm the inflammation and keep you feeling well.
Symptoms
IBD looks different from person to person, and symptoms often come and go. Common signs include:
- Diarrhea that lasts or keeps returning
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
- Fatigue and low energy
- Unintended weight loss
When symptoms flare, they can disrupt daily life. With the right treatment, many people go long stretches with few or no symptoms.
Causes and risk
IBD develops when the immune system reacts in a way that causes chronic inflammation in the GI tract. Genetics, family history, and environmental triggers all appear to play a role. It is not caused by anything you did, and the goal of care is to control the inflammation rather than assign blame.
How we diagnose it
There is no single test for IBD, so we put the picture together from several sources. We typically start with blood and stool tests to look for signs of inflammation and rule out infection. A colonoscopy with biopsy lets us look directly at the lining of the colon and take small tissue samples, which is often the key to a clear diagnosis. Imaging may be used to see parts of the digestive tract a scope cannot reach.
How we treat it
Treatment is tailored to your type of IBD, how active it is, and how it affects you. Options include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications to settle active inflammation
- Immune-modifying medications that quiet an overactive immune response
- Biologics that target specific drivers of inflammation
- Surgery in some cases, when medication alone is not enough
Most people are managed well with medication and regular follow-up. We monitor how you respond and adjust the plan over time so you spend more days feeling like yourself.
When to see us
Talk with us if you have lasting diarrhea, recurring abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, or unexplained weight loss. Catching IBD early and keeping it under control protects your digestive tract and your quality of life.
The Gastroenterology Group welcomes new patients in Akron and Massillon. Call (330) 869-0954 to request an appointment, and we will help you get answers and a plan that fits your life.