COLORECTAL CONDITIONS
Inflammatory Bowel Disease FAQs
From diagnosis to treatment — see our list of frequently asked questions related to Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
About Inflammatory Bowel Disease
What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
There are the two main types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Ulcerative Colitis can cause inflammation and ulcers in the large intestine and rectum. Crohn’s Disease can cause inflammation in any part of the gastrointestinal tract. It most commonly occurs in both the small intestine and colon.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of these long-term diseases may range from mild to severe and may include, but not are not limited to, ongoing diarrhoea (loose, watery, or frequent bowel movements), crampy abdominal pain, nausea, fever, and, at times, rectal bleeding. Fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss are common.1
Who is at risk?
Most people who develop Inflammatory Bowel Disease will be diagnosed around the age of 30. But some people don't develop the disease until their 50s or 60s. Although IBD is more common in white people, it can occur in any race. You're at higher risk if you have a close relative — such as a parent, sibling or child — with the disease.1
Diagnosis and treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
How is Inflammatory Bowel Disease diagnosed?
There are multiple ways to diagnose Inflammatory Bowel Disease. These include different types of lab tests such as blood and stool tests and endoscopic procedures such as capsule endoscopy observation.
Are there treatment options available?
Yes, both medical and surgical options are available to treat Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Depending on the level of severity, anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribed to control the symptoms. There are multiple surgical approaches to treat both Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Each case is individual and your doctor will discuss the options with you.
Will the diseases ever go away? Do I have to take medications for life?
Inflammatory Bowel Disease is a chronic condition, which means you will have it for the rest of your life. However, you can go through periods of remission, with no symptoms at all to disease flare ups with active disease symptoms. Currently there is no known cure for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, although advances are being made all the time.2
Will I need surgery?
About one third of people with ulcerative colitis and up to three fourths of people with Crohn’s Disease will need surgery. Some people can choose surgery, but for some people surgery is necessary due to complications. Surgery may be needed if a person’s life has been affected even with medical treatment or if side effects of the medications cause problems.2
About Capsule Endoscopy
What is Capsule Endoscopy?
Capsule Endoscopy is a non-invasive procedure used to diagnose and monitor various conditions in your digestive tract. The procedure involves swallowing a small capsule, which is the same size as a large vitamin. Inside the capsule is a tiny camera that takes pictures as it travels through your digestive system. All medical procedures have benefits and risks which should be discussed with your doctor.
What does Capsule Endoscopy do?
The Capsule Endoscopy camera takes thousands of photos as it passes through your digestive tract. The images are then transmitted to a recording device worn on a belt around your waist and analysed by your doctor. Special software creates a video for your doctor to watch and look for unusual areas within your digestive tract.
What can I expect on the day of my procedure?
Before your Capsule Endoscopy, a member of your health care team will give you steps to follow to prepare your bowel for the procedure that will include fasting or taking laxatives. Once the recorder is connected and ready, you swallow the camera capsule with water. You can then leave the health care facility and go about your day as normal. The Capsule Endoscopy procedure is usually complete by the end of the day or when you see the capsule in the toilet after a bowel movement.
