Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Learning about your diagnosis

Inflammatory bowel disease, also called IBD, is a name for a group of health conditions that cause swelling and irritation, called inflammation, of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This inflammation can make it hard for the digestive system? to break down and absorb nutrients from food.

IBD is a lifelong disease. Although the inflammation can be treated with medicines, there is no cure. IBD can affect people of all ages but is more common between the ages of 15 to 35.

People with IBD will go through periods where their GI tract is not inflamed. During this time, they usually have no symptoms. These periods are often called “being in remission.”

People with IBD will also go through periods where the inflammation in their GI tract is worse. These periods are called flares and may also be called “having active disease.”

There are 2 main types of IBD:

• Ulcerative colitis. People with ulcerative colitis usually have inflammation in their colon, also called the large intestine. The inflammation can involve only parts of the colon or the entire colon. Typically, the inflammation is continual, meaning there are no breaks between areas of inflammation. It is rare for the inflammation to spread outside of the GI tract.
• Crohn’s disease. Crohn’s disease gets its name from the doctor who first described the disease. People with Crohn’s disease can have inflammation anywhere in their GI tract. The inflammation can be scattered throughout the GI tract but is often located near the end of the small intestine (ileum) and the beginning of the large intestine. In some cases, the inflammation can spread to the tissue surrounding the GI tract and outside of the GI tract.

After your diagnosis

Your healthcare provider may order additional tests, including blood tests, stool tests, and imaging tests. These tests can confirm the IBD diagnosis or assess how severe the disease is to help make decisions on treatment.

Treatment

People with IBD are often prescribed medicines to treat their IBD very soon after their diagnosis. Treating IBD with medicines starts early to help avoid flares and help keep the inflammation under control for as long as possible. Some patients may require surgery.

Caring for yourself at home

• Your doctor may prescribe medicine if you have active disease. If you are given medicine for flare control, take it exactly as directed. Call your doctor or Health Link at 811 if you have any issues with your medicine.
• Keep a food and symptom diary. When you know what foods make your symptoms worse, your doctor or dietitian can help you plan the right diet for you.
• Eat healthy food and monitor your nutrition closely. Following My IBD Diet can help you to manage your symptoms and reduce inflammation in your gut.
• Monitor and manage your stress and anxiety. If you need support, information, or a referral, call the mental health helpline at 1-877-303-2642.
• Do not smoke. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
• Keep track of your bowel patterns and symptoms, like by using a bowel and symptom journal.
• Try to get enough sleep.
• Schedule time each day for a bowel movement. Having a daily routine may help. Take your time and do not strain when having a bowel movement.

For more information, see Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Information for Albertans.

To see this information online and learn more, visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca/health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=custom.ab_ibd_new_diagnosis_inst.

For 24/7 nurse advice and general health information call Health Link at 811.

Current as of: September 25, 2024

Author: Digestive SCN, Alberta Health Services

This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.