In Mississippi, gastrointestinal specialists assist patients with conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease. Gastrointestinal diseases and disorders cause a myriad of symptoms that take a toll on the patients. The conditions could lead to life-altering symptoms or the need for complex surgical procedures. Reviewing the condition with Gastrointestinal Doctors in Petal, MS, helps the patient understand their options and how the treatments affect their lives.
What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
Patients who are diagnosed with IBD the individual has one of two connecting diseases. Inflammatory bowel disease encompasses Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s disease affects the small bowel and causes symptoms that affect the entire gastrointestinal tract. Ulcerative colitis is restricted to the colon only.
The most common symptoms of the diseases are abdominal pain or distention, obstructions in the bowel, alternation between constipation and diarrhea, and vomiting. Both illnesses are chronic and may hinder the patient’s quality of life.
How is IBD Treated?
First, the doctor begins treatment with prescription medications. Patients may also receive treatment via suppositories, enemas, injections, and intravenously. The doctor monitors the patient’s progress and determines if more extensive treatments are required.
Surgical Treatments for IBD
Ileostomy is performed when a permanent stoma is needed. During the procedure, the small intestines are connected to an opening in the abdomen or stoma. The waste products are forced into the bag instead of through the rectum. The patient must remove and/or empty the bag as needed.
An alternative to ileostomy is ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. During the procedure, the large intestine is removed completely. The small intestines are connected to the outer sphincter, and the last portion of the intestines are used to create a pouch. The pouch performs the functions of the rectum and stores waste products until the patient has a bowel movement.
In Mississippi, gastrointestinal specialists assess conditions that are complex and hard for general medicine doctors to treat. Inflammatory bowel disease presents symptoms that hinder a patient’s daily life. The condition encompasses two major gastrointestinal diseases. Doctors could diagnose patients who have IBD could be diagnosed with one or both of the diseases. Patients who need treatment from Gastrointestinal Doctors in Petal, MS, are encouraged to contact Hattiesburg G.I. Associates or Browse website right now.
