Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

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• QWhat are the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?

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  A UCLA Health answered

  Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic diseases of the colon and small intestine generally falling into the categories of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. The illnesses tend to be diagnosed in childhood or young adulthood and are characterized by periods of remission followed by flare-ups of symptoms that can include abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, vomiting and weight loss.
  
  “On the outside, you wouldn’t know that someone has IBD,” says Daniel Hommes, MD, PhD, head of UCLA’s new Center for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. “But on the inside, it’s very destructive. A significant number of patients require frequent toilet visits and have problems with pain. Careers and relationships can be affected."

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• QHow is Behçet's disease diagnosed?

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  A NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital answered

  Behcet's disease can be difficult to diagnose. There is no definitive test for the disease, and a diagnosis is based on key symptoms of the disease, which can take several months or even years to appear. Symptoms that are key to a diagnosis include:
  - Mouth sores at least three times in 12 months
  - Any two of the following symptoms: recurring genital sores, eye inflammation with loss of vision, characteristic skin lesions, or positive pathergy (skin prick test)
  
• QWhat is Behçet's disease?

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  A NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital answered

  Behcet’s disease is a very rare, chronic inflammatory disease whose cause is not well understood. People with Behcet’s disease develop recurrent ulcerations in the mouth and on the genitals, and lesions elsewhere on the skin; arthritis; and inflammation of the eye and bowel. When the disease affects the central nervous system, people can develop meningitis (inflammation of the membranes of the brain and spinal cord), cranial nerve palsies, memory loss, and impaired speech, balance, and movement. Behcet’s is less common in the United States than in the Middle East and Asia.

• QAre inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD's) hereditary?

  2 Answers

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  A Dr. Eugene F. Yen, MD , Gastroenterology, answered on behalf of NorthShore University HealthSystem

  

  Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) could be hereditary. Further genetic research in the coming years will help us understand the disease better. Learn more from Dr. Eugene Yen on behalf of NorthShore University HealthSystem about inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
   

  

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  Is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Hereditary?
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• QWhat is the prognosis for Behçet's disease?

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  A Dr. William D. Knopf, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered on behalf of Piedmont Heart Institute

  Behcet's disease is a lifelong disorder that comes and goes. Permanent remission of the symptoms has not been reported.
  This answer from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has been reviewed and/or edited by Dr. William D. Knopf.
• QIs there a genetic basis for IBD, such as family or ethnic differences?

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  A NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital answered

  Yes, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) does appear to run in families and about 15-30 percent of people with IBD have a family member with the condition.

  Also, people of Jewish heritage, particularly the Ashkenazi Jewish population, have an increased risk of developing Crohn's disease. Researchers have identified close to 32 genes that may play a part in Crohn's disease. Researchers at the Jill Roberts Center are currently collaborating with Weill Cornell Medical College researchers and exploring the function of one of these genes – the NOD-2 gene – and Crohn's disease. Specifically, researchers are investigating to see if the NOD-2 gene is linked to low levels of interleukin 10 (IL-10), which is an anti-inflammatory protein in the body. This deficiency in IL-10 may drive the persistent inflammation that occurs in the intestines of people with Crohn's disease.

• QWhat is the treatment for Behcet's disease?

  1 Answer

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  A Riverside Center for Neurosciences answered

  The treatment for Behcet's disease is symptomatic and supportive. Medication may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and/or regulate the immune system. Immunosuppressive therapy may be considered.

  This answer is based on source information from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

• QDoes inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) increase my risk of colon cancer?

  4 Answers

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  A Dr. Eugene F. Yen, MD , Gastroenterology, answered on behalf of NorthShore University HealthSystem

  

  There is an elevated risk of colon cancer with IBD but that risk is lower if patients stay on their medicine and inflammation is reduced. Learn more from Dr. Eugene Yen  on behalf of NorthShore University HealthSystem about the risks of IBD and colon cancer.
  
   

  

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  Does Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Increase My Risk of Colon Cancer?
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• QHow is inflammatory bowel disease (IDB) treated in children?

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  A Overland Park Regional Medical Center answered

  Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children is treated by diet and medications. If the child doesn’t respond to medical and nutritional therapy, sometimes IBD is treated by surgical intervention.