IBD

Do you struggle with bloating, fatigue, or abdominal pain because of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)? Visit Ernest F. Ribera, M.D. - Burlingame Gastroenterology and Hepatology is in Burlingame, California. There, skilled gastroenterologist Ernest Ribera, MD, and his team diagnose IBD and provide highly effective treatments that offer symptom relief. Call the office or use the online booking feature to schedule an evaluation today.

What is IBD?

IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) are gastrointestinal disorders linked to inflamed tissues in your digestive tract. Forms of IBD include:

Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease is characterized by digestive tract lining inflammation that commonly affects the small intestine. However, Crohn’s disease can also inflame your large intestine.

Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis causes sores and inflammation along the large intestine and rectum linings. 

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis involves inflammation of irregular, bulging pouches in the large intestine’s wall. This can lead to bothersome symptoms in some people.

What are the symptoms of IBD?

IBD can cause the following symptoms:

• Rectal bleeding
• Abdominal pain
• Abdominal cramping
• Blood in your stool
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Reduced appetite
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Fever
• Nausea

IBD ranges from a mild illness to debilitating problems with potentially life-threatening complications. You can experience periods of active IBD symptoms followed by periods of remission.

What increases the risk of IBD?

The cause of IBD isn’t entirely clear, but its risk factors can include:

• Family history of IBD
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication use
• Being Caucasian
• Smoking

Complications sometimes linked to untreated IBD include blood clots, dehydration caused by diarrhea, colon cancer, medication side effects, bile duct scarring, and joint, skin, and eye inflammation.

Other potential IBD complications include malnutrition, bowel obstruction, and a perforated colon.

How does my provider diagnose IBD?

Your gastroenterologist discusses your medical history, reviews your symptoms, and completes a physical exam to determine your risk of IBD.

Diagnostic tests to detect IBD and other gastrointestinal conditions include lab testing, stool studies, colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, upper endoscopy, capsule endoscopy, and balloon-assisted enteroscopy. You might need X-rays, a CT scan, an MRI, or another imaging procedure.

How is IBD treated?

Ernest F. Ribera, M.D. Burlingame Gastroenterology and Hepatology offers the following IBD treatments:

• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Infusion services
• Immune system suppressors
• Antibiotics
• Biologics
• Vitamins and other supplements
• Nutrition support
• Surgery

Lifestyle habits that help ease IBD symptoms include consuming an IBD diet, stopping smoking, and reducing stress.

Schedule an IBD evaluation today at Ernest F. Ribera, M.D. Burlingame Gastroenterology and Hepatology by calling the office or booking an appointment online.