Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

IBD is a medical term that describes two different diseases, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These diseases both damage the lining of the digestive system by causing inflammation, sores, bleeding, and scarring. Approximately 200 000 Canadians are living with IBD, with 9 200 new cases being reported each year.

Crohn’s usually affects the lower part of the small intestine and the upper end of the large intestine. There is a wide range of signs and symptoms including abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and lack of energy.

Ulcerative colitis affects the large intestine plus the rectum and anus. Signs and symptoms can include severe and bloody diarrhea, false urges to have a bowel movement, abdominal pain and cramping, nausea and vomiting, decreased appetite, weight loss, anemia, and loss of body fluids.

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic diseases which have active and inactive stages. There is no known cure for IBD, rather the goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation and control symptoms, usually through diet and with medication prescribed by a doctor.

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease occurs when the surface of the small intestine is damaged by a protein, called gluten, which won’t let the body absorb nutrients (e.g., protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals) normally. Gluten is found in wheat, rye, triticale, and barley and is commonly used in processed and packaged foods.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder (the body attacks its own cells) that runs in families. It is estimated that 1 in 133 Canadians are affected by celiac disease.

A wide range of signs and symptoms may be present such as anemia, chronic diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, irritability, cramps, and bloating. In other cases, sufferers from gluten-intolerance develop a burning and itching rash called dermatitis herpetiformis.

The only treatment for celiac disease is following a gluten-free diet. People with celiac disease have to learn to read food labels thoroughly and avoid foods which contain gluten-even in small amounts.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD is a common medical condition that is caused by stomach acid moving from the stomach up into the esophagus. This may happen if the muscle between the stomach and esophagus is weak. Certain conditions like diabetes, pregnancy, and some medications may worsen this condition. Approximately 5 million Canadians experience heartburn and/or acid reflux at least once each week.

Some of the signs and symptoms of GERD are a feeling of burning chest pain behind the breast bone, bitter or sour taste of acid in the throat or mouth, hoarseness, and difficulty swallowing. Signs and symptoms can sometimes last as long as two hours and get worse with eating or lying down.

In most cases, GERD can be relieved through diet, lifestyle modifications, and proper use of over-the-counter medications. If left untreated, GERD can cause swelling of the esophagus, ulcers in the esophagus, swallowing difficulties, or more serious complications. You should see your doctor if the signs and symptoms are not controlled with lifestyle modifications or if over-the-counter medicines are needed more oft en than twice a week.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is not a disease but a functional disorder, meaning that the bowel doesn’t work or function correctly. The most common signs and symptoms are abdominal pain, bloating, and discomfort.

There are also changes in bowel movement (e.g., diarrhea, constipation or a combination of both), which typically lasts months or years. The signs and symptoms also vary from person to person. IBS causes a great deal of discomfort and distress and, for some people, IBS can be disabling.

The exact cause of IBS is not known. The most common theory is that the nerves and muscles in the bowel appear to be extra sensitive in people with IBS. Approximately 5 million Canadians are living with IBS, with 120 000 new cases reported each year.

There is no definitive cure for IBS. There are some things that can be done to relieve the symptoms. Treatment for IBS may include diet, medication, exercise, or some combination of the three. Your doctor will help you decide what will work best.

KEY REFERENCES:
American College of Gastroenterology. (2009). Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and medications often prescribed. Arlington, VA: Author.

National Digestive Diseases Clearinghouse. (2008). Irritable bowel syndrome. Retrieved November 5, 2009, from http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/ibs/ibs.pdf

Canadian Digestive Health Foundation. (2009). Digestive disorders: Statistics.

Retrieved December 2, 2009, from http://www.cdhf.ca/digestive-disorders/

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