Inflammatory Bowel Disease is divided into two main diseases: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.  Crohn’s disease causes ulcers (open sores) along the length of the large and small intestines.  Ulcerative colitis causes ulcers in the lower part of the intestines, starting in the rectum.  Both of these diseases are very similar to each other, and they share the common symptoms of bowel inflammation.

You may have Inflammatory Bowel Disease if you are experiencing any of these symptoms:

• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Bloody diarrhea (mild to severe) and alternating bouts of constipation
• Dehydration, which may lead to rapid heartbeat and drop in blood pressure
• Anemia due to continued loss of blood in the stool
• Nutrient malabsorption, leading to fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, loss of bodily fluids and key nutrients
• Skin lesions, or skin tags
• Co-existing inflammation in other areas of the body, such as the joints, eyes, skin, and liver
• Stricture (partial obstruction in the intestines)
• Proctitis (inflammation of the lining of the rectum)
• Ulcers (open sores along the length of the intestines or starting in the rectum)
• Delay in puberty and growth failure (specifically in children)¹,²

Diagnosis
The following tests and procedures may help you find out what is causing Inflammatory Bowel Disease:

• Online Self-assessments – Self-assessments, such as the Candidiasis Self-assessment and the Magnesium Assessment, can help you determine some of the root cause(s) of your chronic conditions.  Learn more about Self-assessments.
• Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis – An analysis of the stool is used to detect the presence of blood in the stool, undigested food, parasites, and other abnormalities.
• Blood tests – Your healthcare professional will check for such things as anemia and nutrient deficiencies.
• Colonoscopy – A thin, lighted tube with an attached camera is inserted through your colon to look for signs of inflammation.  A biopsy can also be taken with this device.  This can aid in an accurate diagnosis.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy – A thin, lighted tube with an attached camera is inserted to examine the last 2 feet of your colon, also known as the sigmoid.
• Barium enema – This is an X-ray of your gastrointestinal tract using a contrast dye, called barium.  The dye is administered as an enema.  A barium enema is not as reliable as colonoscopy, and therefore is used in conjunction with a colonscopy or a flexible sigmoidoscopy.
• Computerized tomography (CT) – Also known as a CT scan, this provides better imaging than a standard X-ray (although it exposes you to more radiation). A CT scan is particularly helpful for examining the colon for blockages.
• Capsule endoscopy – This technology utilizes a capsule that contains a miniature camera.  You swallow the capsule, which allows the camera to pass through your gastrointestinal tract.  It is passed painlessly in your stool.  The images can be helpful in making a thorough diagnosis of IBD.

Additional Information about Inflammatory Bowel Disease

1. Inflammatory Bowel Disease Overview
2. Common causes of inflammatory bowel disease
3. Help me choose a natural and alternative treatment for inflammatory bowel disease
4. Dietary and lifestyle recommendations that may help in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease
5. Conventional or prescription medications used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease
6. Additional reading for inflammatory bowel disease