Relief for people with IBD
Often confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), IBD is actually two chronic diseases: ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, both of an autoimmune nature. While Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis have common features, there are important differences. Ulcerative colitis tends to affect only the lining of the large intestine, and Crohn’s disease typically may involve the small intestine, the large intestine or a combination of the two. Symptoms of IBD can include:
- Mild to severe diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Rectal bleeding, sometimes leading to anemia
- Weight loss, dehydration & malnutrition
- Delayed development & stunted growth in children
- Fever & fatigue
What causes IBD?
The cause of IBD is unknown, though many factors may be involved, including diet, environment and genetics. Evidence suggests a possible genetic defect that affects how the immune system is switched on and off in response to bacteria, a virus or certain food proteins. Even with years of damage to the bowel, some IBD patients have no symptoms.
When symptoms are present, they can mimic other disorders, making diagnosis challenging. Direct visualization with upper and lower endoscopy is the tool most commonly used for evaluating symptoms, though medical history and other tests are also vital to the diagnosis.
Dual board-certified gastroenterologist Maurice Gourdji, MD, provides the skill and decades of experience to differentiate the symptoms and determine if your problem is IBD or something else. Whatever your diagnosis, he has the know-how to treat your disorder and the dedication to help you live a more normal and rewarding life. Call us for information or to make an appointment with our GI specialist.
When you need state-of-the-art gastrointestinal diagnosis and care, you can depend on Maurice Gourdji, MD, for the latest treatment methods. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Gourdji, call us at 818.708.6070 or fill out our online Request an Appointment form. We welcome patients from Beverly Hills, Burbank, San Fernando Valley, Tarzana, Studio City, Encino, Valley Village and surrounding communities.
