Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

What is inflammatory bowel disease?

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a condition where the small or large intestine becomes inflamed.

Sign and symptoms

The main symptoms of IBD are diarrhea, bloating, stomach pain, cramping and weight loss. IBD comes and goes. It can "flare up" and your child will have symptoms. At other times, your child will not have symptoms. This is called remission. Flare-ups and remission will occur at different times for different people.

There are two types of IBD: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

• Crohn's disease is inflammation in any part of the digestive system from the mouth to the anus.
• Ulcerative colitis is inflammation in the large intestine only.

Inflammatory bowel disease is not the same as irritable bowel syndrome.

Causes

The cause of IBD is unknown. Family history of this disease and other immune-related factors may increase risk. IBD is not caused by eating certain foods. IBD is not caused by food poisoning.

Digestive system

What a doctor can do to help your child

Take your child to the doctor if symptoms persist for more than a few days. The doctor will conduct tests of the intestines if IBD is suspected. Your child may have to swallow a white chalky liquid called barium for an X-ray.

Treatment

Anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed depending on your child's diagnosis. In severe cases of Crohn's disease, your child may have to have a liquid diet or drugs or food may be given intravenously. Most children can live a healthy life by eating a well balanced diet. In severe cases of ulcerative colitis, surgery may be needed to remove the damaged colon.

Claims have been made that some diets help control IBD. But none of these diets has been proven to help. If your child is on a special diet or avoids certain foods, speak to their doctor or dietitian. They will help make sure your child is still getting the nutrients they need for good health. Your child's diet will depend on their needs.