Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, affections millions of people worldwide. Individuals with IBD can live a normal life by becoming patients of gastroenterology specialists. Several of these medical doctors provide service at a colitis treatment center in Jacksonville Beach, FL.
About IBD
IBD patients have chronic gastrointestinal tract inflammation, which causes a range of unpleasant symptoms. The inflammation may cause pain, excessive gas, diarrhea and sudden urges to empty the bowel. Some patients have alternating episodes of diarrhea and constipation. Chronic symptoms can make these individuals feel fatigued, particularly if their sleep is disrupted.
The cause of IBD is still unknown, but it results from an impaired immune system response to bacteria and other microscopic organisms that help digest food.
Relevant Statistics
Around 3 million US. residents have been diagnosed with IBD, according to the Centers for Disease Control. This is about 1.3% of the population. An unknown percentage of individuals do not know they have IBD, although health experts believe most have been diagnosed. That’s because the symptoms typically are severe enough for people to seek medical attention.
Treatments
Doctors with an option for colitis treatment center in Jacksonville Beach, FL help patients prevent debilitating symptoms from occurring. Their patients manage their illness by taking prescription medication and participating in other treatments. The doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant medication. Dietary changes likely will be required to decrease the frequency and severity of symptoms. In some cases, surgery is advisable.
Information about the doctors at Digestive Disease Consultants can be viewed at ddcjax.com.