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What is celiac disease?

What is it?

Inflammatory bowel disease, also called IBD, is an umbrella term for a group of conditions that cause swelling and inflammation of the tissues in the digestive tract.

The most common types of IBD include:

  • Ulcerative colitis (UC): This condition involves inflammation and sores, called ulcers, along the lining of the colon and rectum.

  • Crohn's disease:  In this type of IBD, the lining of the digestive tract is inflamed. The condition often involves the deeper layers of the digestive tract. Crohn's disease most commonly affects the small intestine. However, it also can affect the large intestine and, uncommonly, the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Creating balance. Restoring function.

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Celiac disease symptoms

Symptoms of IBD

Inflammatory bowel disease symptoms vary depending on how bad the inflammation is and where it occurs. Symptoms may range from mild to severe. A person with IBD is likely to have periods of active illness followed by periods of remission.

 

Symptoms that are common to both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis include:

  • Diarrhea.

  • Belly pain and cramping.

  • Blood in the stool.

  • Loss of appetite.

  • Losing weight without trying.

  • Feeling extremely tired.

 

Ulcerative colitis symptoms

In Ulcerative colitis the areas of inflammation of the lining of the colon are usually continuous. Symptoms appear because of the inability of the colon to absorb water. This is the case due to being severely ulcerated. Symptoms tend to persist for days, weeks, or even months. Individuals with UC cusually experience:

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  • Lower abdominal pain

  • Cramping and Diarrhea

  • Blood in the stool

  • Stool containing tringy material 

  • Both urgency and inability to pass stool

  • Weight loss due to decreased appetite

  • Fatigue and fever

  • Joint pain

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Ulcerative colitis may also lead to some systemic health complications including:

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  • Mouth and skin sores

  • Osteoporosis

  • Joint edema and pain

  • Kidney stones

  • Itchy and bloodshot

 

Crohn’s disease

In comparison, the areas of inflammation of the lining of the colon are usually patches between healthy sections of intestine. People with Crohn’s disease may experience some signs and symptoms with intermittent flare ups and symptom-free periods lasting weeks to months. Common symptoms of Crohn's may include:

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  • Abdominal pain in the right lower quadrant

  • Fever

  • Bloody diarrhea

  • Weight loss due to loss of appetite

  • Mucousy stool

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In more severe cases of IBD, patients may experience:

  • Intestinal obstruction

  • Fibrosing strictures

  • Peritoneal abscess

  • Perforations

  • Fistula

  • Colon cancer

Celiac disease causes and contributing factors

Causes and risk factors for IBD

The exact cause of inflammatory bowel disease remains unclear. While diet and stress were once thought to causes, healthcare professionals now recognize that these factors may exacerbate IBD rather than initiate it. Multiple factors are likely involved in onset.

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Immune System: A potential cause is a change in system function. When the immune system attempts to combat an invading virus or bacterium, an atypical immune response may lead it to attack the cells in the digestive tract.

 

Genetics: Various genetic markers have been linked to IBD. Familial traits suggest a hereditary component, as IBD is more prevalent among individuals with affected family members, though many with IBD lack such a family history.

 

Environmental Triggers: Researchers believe that environmental, particularly those influencing the gut microbiome, may contribute to the onset of IBD. These factors include:

  • Growing up a sterile environment with limited germ exposure.

  • Experiencing a gastrointestinal infection early in life.

  • Receiving antibiotics during the first year of life.

  • Being primarily bottle-fed.

 

 

Risk Factors

Several risk factors for inflammatory bowel disease:

  • Age: Most individuals are diagnosed with IBD before the age of 30, although may not develop the condition until their 50s or 60s.

  • Race or Ethnicity: While IBD is more common among white individuals, it can affect anyone, and cases are rising among other races and ethnicities.

  • Family History: Having a blood relative like a parent, sibling, or child, with IBD increases risk.

  •  Cigarette Smoking: Smoking is the most significant controllable risk factor for Crohn's disease Although it may help prevent ulcerative colitis, the overall health risks of outweigh any benefits, and quitting can enhance digestive health and provide other health advantages.

  • Nonsteroidal-Inflammatory Drugs: Medications like ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and diclofenac may elevate the risk of developing IBD or worsen the condition in those already diagnosed.

Functional testing for IBD

How is Crohn's disease diagnosed?

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Advanced specialized lab tests, called functional tests can help uncover the root causes of your symptoms, they may include:

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  • Microbiome & stool testing

  • Digestive function

  • Nutrient absorption

  • Markers that identify inflammation

  • Food allergies, intolerences and sensitivities

  • Toxin exposure

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Functional testing considerations for coeliac disease

Ready for a personalized, natural functional medicine treatment?

Our unique model of care was designed with you in mind. Find out how, then book a call today.

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