Atlantic Gastroenterology Associates helps patients with IBD in Egg Harbor Township, NJ, manage symptoms so they can keep up with daily activities and lead healthy, active lives. Read more about inflammatory bowel disease and contact us today if your symptoms are keeping you from living your life.
What Is IBD?
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, is a term used to refer to both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, conditions that cause chronic inflammation in the intestines. Crohn’s disease can impact any part of the digestive tract but typically does the most damage to the portion of the small intestine that is closest to the colon. Ulcerative colitis primarily affects the large intestine and colon.
IBD is an autoimmune disorder that can be triggered by environmental factors or genetically inherited. The body attacks healthy tissues and leaves the digestive tract inflamed. If you have IBD in Egg Harbor Township, NJ, it can lead to permanent damage in the digestive tract and increase your chance of developing colon cancer if you do not intervene with treatment.
What Are the Symptoms?
Symptoms of chronically inflamed intestines can include:
- Abdominal Pain
- Chronic diarrhea
- Fever
- Cramping
- Bloody stools
- Weight loss
IBD symptoms vary depending on the severity of the condition, and symptoms can subside at times, or flare up due to a triggering food or even anxiety about the symptoms. If you are experiencing these symptoms regularly, call us to be evaluated for IBD in Egg Harbor Township, NJ.
How Can I Manage IBD?
A healthy diet goes a long way in managing IBD flare-ups. Being more methodical about what you put in your digestive tract and when to avoid triggers and help control your IBD symptoms is a lifestyle change, but we are here to support you.
To treat symptoms, your doctor may recommend anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving medications. Corticosteroids can have a suppressant effect on an overreactive immune system. Surgery to remove damaged parts of the intestines is only considered in cases where other measures haven't improved symptoms.
Get Care Now
At Atlantic Gastroenterology Associates, Dr. Barry Kaufman and Dr. Gary Rosman help patients of all ages manage symptoms of IBD in Egg Harbor Township, NJ. Contact us to make an appointment at (609) 407-1220.