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Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Specialists in Gastroenterology Our Services Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Specialists in Gastroenterology

Board Certified Gastroenterologists located in St. Louis, MO

More than 3 million adults have inflammatory bowel disease. As leading GI experts in St. Louis, Missouri, Specialists in Gastroenterology offers better medical management and endoscopic diagnosis of both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. They also have an on-site infusion center for convenient treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Book your appointment with the board-certified gastroenterologists by phone or online today.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Q & A

What is inflammatory bowel disease?

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) causes serious long-term inflammation in your gastrointestinal tract. There are two types of inflammatory bowel disease: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. 

Crohn’s disease

With Crohn’s disease, you develop patches of inflammation in any part of your digestive tract, from your throat down to your anus. Most commonly, inflammation encompasses the end of your small intestine and the start of your large intestine. 

Crohn’s disease affects the inner digestive tract lining and can penetrate into deeper layers, as well. 

Ulcerative colitis

With ulcerative colitis, you have continuous inflammation in part or all of your large intestine (your colon and rectum). Ulcerative colitis only occurs in colon lining. You may develop sores in your colon lining.

IBD can cause severe and potentially disabling problems. Specialists in Gastroenterology offers comprehensive endoscopic and medical management of both inflammatory bowel diseases to help you stay healthy and active. 

What are the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease?

The symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease include: 

  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal cramping and pain
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Frequent bowel urgency
  • Fever
  • Anemia
  • Unintended weight loss
  • Blood in the stool
  • Anal drainage 
  • Joint pain
  • Poor appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Eye irritation
  • Unexplained skin rashes

Because Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis have such similar symptoms, it’s important to visit Specialists in Gastroenterology for a definitive diagnosis.

How do you treat inflammatory bowel disease?

Specialists in Gastroenterology offers comprehensive medical care for inflammatory bowel disease. Your treatment may include:

Medical management 

Medical management typically includes diet changes, lifestyle changes, and medication. 

Infusions

Some cases of inflammatory bowel disease respond well to IV infusions. Specialists in Gastroenterology has an in-office infusion center to administer treatments such as Remicade®, iron, Entyvio®, and the initial dose of Stelara®. 

Endoscopy

Your doctor may perform endoscopy to see your digestive tract and make an initial diagnosis. Endoscopy can also be part of your treatment plan, allowing your doctor to perform procedures such as endoscopic stricturotomy, stenting, fistulotomy, and neoplasia ablation without major surgery. 

Surgery

In severe cases of ulcerative colitis that don’t respond to treatment, removing your entire large intestine can end your symptoms. This is a life-changing surgery that’s usually a last resort. 

Similarly, very severe cases of Crohn’s disease that don't improve with treatment may require surgery to remove the damaged parts of your digestive tract. 

Whether you need conservative care or complex endoscopic management, Specialists in Gastroenterology is here for you. Call the office or use online booking today.