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DIGESTIVE HEALTH
INFLAMMATORY
BOWEL DISEASE
What is IBD? IBD is
a group of chronic
conditions—including
Crohn’s disease and
ulcerative colitis—that
cause inflammation in your
digestive tract.
What are the symptoms?
They can result in
persistent diarrhea,
abdominal pain, bloody
stools, fatigue, fever and
weight loss.
Why is it bad? IBD can
cause permanent damage
to your digestive system if
left untreated. For example,
Crohn’s disease can
thicken the walls of your
intestines, which increases
the risk of an intestinal
blockage. Ulcerative colitis
can also result in rectal
bleeding or cause your
large intestine to stop
working altogether.
What is the treatment?
While IBD does not have a
cure, the right treatment
regimen and lifestyle
changes can help you
manage symptoms and
improve your quality of
life. Avoiding carbonated
beverages and high-fiber
foods may be necessary to
treat or prevent symptoms
of IBD. Medications to
treat IBD include biologics,
immunomodulators and
corticosteroids such as
prednisone. You may also
need a vaccination to
help prevent infections
associated with IBD.
WHAT DO YOU do when you can’t shake an upset stomach or frequently experience bouts
of diarrhea or constipation? You may find answers by talking with your physician about
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
UNDERSTANDING CROHN’S DISEASE AND ULCERATIVE COLITIS
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the two most
common types of IBD and are very similar. Crohn’s disease
often affects the small intestine and part of the large
intestine, while ulcerative colitis usually develops in the
large intestine. In addition to inflammation and irritation,
ulcerative colitis causes ulcers to develop on the inner lining
of the large intestine.
If your IBD causes serious complications, surgery may
be necessary to remove part of the gastrointestinal tract.
Despite this, more and more people are able to live their
lives without symptoms and without surgery for long
periods of time. These periods are called states of remission
and are the goal for most people with IBD.
IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME
What is IBS? IBS is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that usually is uncomfortable,
but often not as serious as other digestive problems.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? People with IBS regularly experience symptoms such as
abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhea. Depending on your symptoms, you may be
diagnosed with IBS with constipation (IBS-C), IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D) or IBS with
mixed bowel habits (IBS-M).
IS IBS DANGEROUS? IBS does not typically damage the digestive tract or lead to
other health complications.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT? Doctors may recommend that you eat more fiber to help
treat symptoms of IBS, and sometimes it’s useful to avoid certain carbohydrates
called FODMAPs, which can be difficult to digest.
Foods that contain FODMAPs include fruits such as apples, watermelon,
blackberries, cherries, pears, plums and mango; vegetables such as asparagus, beans,
cabbage, cauliflower, garlic, lentils, mushrooms and onions; foods with high-fructose
corn syrup; dairy products; and wheat and rye products.
Other treatment options for IBS include medications and probiotics that can be
tailored to your symptoms. In some cases, mental health therapies can also be used to
treat IBS.
IF YOU’RE HAVING PERSISTENT STOMACH PAIN, SPEAK WITH YOUR PRIMARY CARE
PROVIDER OR VISIT WWW.NAVICENTHEALTH.ORG/SERVICE-CENTER/GASTRO TO
LEARN MORE ABOUT CARE OPTIONS.
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