Small bowel inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to a group of chronic inflammatory conditions that affect the small intestine, including Crohn's disease and small bowel ulcerative colitis. These conditions cause inflammation and damage to the lining of the small intestine, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and malnutrition.
Symptoms
Symptoms of small bowel IBD may include:
Abdominal pain and cramping
Weight loss or malnutrition
Causes
The exact cause of small bowel IBD is unclear, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune factors. Dysregulation of the immune system leads to inflammation and damage to the intestinal lining.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for small bowel IBD include:
Family history of IBD or autoimmune disorders
Smoking (increases risk of Crohn's disease)
Environmental factors such as diet or exposure to certain pathogens
Genetic predisposition (markers)
Investigations
Diagnosing small bowel IBD may involve:
Blood tests to assess for markers of inflammation and nutritional deficiencies.
Imaging tests such as CT enterography or MRI enterography to visualize the small intestine.
Endoscopic evaluation with biopsy to confirm the presence of inflammation and rule out other causes.
Video capsule endoscopy may also sometimes be used to investigate small bowel crohns
Management
Management of small bowel IBD typically involves:
Anti-inflammatory medications such as corticosteroids or immunomodulators to reduce inflammation and induce remission.
Biologic therapies targeting specific components of the immune system involved in inflammation.
Nutritional support to address malnutrition and promote healing of the intestinal lining.
Surgery in cases of complications such as strictures, fistulas, or abscesses
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