People with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis have chronic intestinal inflammation. Symptoms include stomach cramps, diarrhoea and gas.

 

HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE (IBD)

Homoeopathy is extremely effective in treating inflammatory bowel disease. It addresses the underlying cause of IBD and correct the immune system which is responsible for the inflammation of the intestines.

Homoeopathic medicines are safe, natural and free from any side effects. If the person is already taking conventional treatment, it is advised to gradually taper off the medicines along with homoeopathic treatment in cases of IBD. Dependence on the conventional medicines can be tapered off gradually and may also be stopped, eventually providing a treatment which is free from any side effects and is natural and effective.

Homoeopathic medicine helps to restore the altered function of the intestine and restores its motility and functionality, thereby improving overall health and quality of life of the individual.

KNOW YOUR DISEASE

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term for two conditions (Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis) that are characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.  Prolonged inflammation results in damage to the GI tract.

Types of IBD

Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis are the main types of IBD. Types include.

• Crohn’s disease causes pain and swelling in the digestive tract. It can affect any part from the mouth to the anus. It most commonly affects the small intestine and upper part of the large intestine.
• Ulcerative colitis causes swelling and sores (ulcers) in the large intestine (colon and rectum).
• Microscopic colitis causes intestinal inflammation that’s only detectable with a microscope.

SYMPTOMS OF IBD

Inflammatory bowel disease symptoms vary, depending on the severity of inflammation and where it occurs. Symptoms may range from mild to severe. You are likely to have periods of active illness followed by periods of remission.

Signs and symptoms that are common to both Crohn's disease and Ulcerative colitis include

• Diarrhoea
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Blood in your stool
• Reduced appetite
• Unintended weight loss

CAUSES OF IBD

Researchers are still trying to determine why some people develop IBD. Three factors appear to play a role.

• Immune System response The immune system typically fights off infections. In people with IBD, the immune system mistakes foods as foreign substances. It releases antibodies (proteins) to fight off this threat, causing IBD symptoms.
• Genetics As many as 1 in 4 people with IBD have a family history of the disease.
• Environmental triggers: People with a family history of IBD may develop the disease after exposure to an environmental trigger. These triggers include smoking, stress, medication use and depression.

IBD Diagnosis

IBD usually appears as a sudden flare up of symptoms. Most people diagnosed with IBD are age 35 or younger. There is a second peak of diagnosis in the 60s.

There is no single test to diagnose IBD. Your doctor may recommend a combination of the following to confirm the diagnosis:

• Thorough health and family history and physical exam
• Colonoscopy with biopsies
• Upper endoscopy with biopsies
• Stool sample analysis
• Imaging (X-rays, CT scan or MRI)
• Blood work: Your work up may include tests for known IBD biomarkers (such as ASCA and ANCA antibodies) and other molecules that signal inflammation. Blood tests can identify IBD, and in some cases, predict the severity of disease and the frequency of future flare ups.

COMPLICATIONS OF INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE (IBD)

Possible complications of IBD include.

• Malnutrition with resulting weight loss
• Colorectal cancer
• Fistulas, or tunnels that go through the bowel wall, creating a hole between different parts of the digestive tract
• Intestinal rupture, which is also known as perforation
• Bowel obstruction

In rare cases, a severe bout of IBD can make you go into shock. This can be life-threatening. Shock is usually caused by blood loss during a long, sudden episode of bloody diarrhoea.

LIFESTYLE AND HOME REMEDIES

Sometimes you may feel helpless when facing inflammatory bowel disease. But changes in your diet and lifestyle may help control your symptoms and lengthen the time between flare ups.

Diet .There's no firm evidence that what you eat actually causes inflammatory bowel disease. But certain foods and beverages can aggravate your signs and symptoms, especially during a flare up. It can be helpful to keep a food diary to keep track of what you're eating, as well as how you feel. If you discover that some foods are causing your symptoms to flare, you can try eliminating those foods.

Here are some general dietary suggestions that may help you manage your condition.

• Limit dairy products. Many people with inflammatory bowel disease find that problems such as diarrhoea, abdominal pain and gas improve by limiting or eliminating dairy products.
• Eat small meals. You may find that you feel better eating five or six small meals a day rather than two or three larger ones.
• Drink plenty of liquids. Try to drink plenty of liquids daily. Water is best. Alcohol and beverages that contain caffeine stimulate your intestines and can make diarrhoea worse, while carbonated drinks frequently produce gas.

Smoking

Smoking increases your risk of developing Crohn's disease, and once you have it, smoking can make it worse. People with Crohn's disease who smoke are more likely to have relapses and need medications and repeat surgeries.

Stress

The association of stress with Crohn's disease is controversial, but many people who have the disease report symptom flares during high stress periods. If you have trouble managing stress, try one of these strategies:

• Exercise. Even mild exercise can help reduce stress, relieve depression and normalize bowel function.
• Regular relaxation and breathing exercises. One way to cope with stress is to regularly relax and use techniques such as deep, slow breathing to calm down.

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