IBD is not IBS
IBS is Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Many people have this common problem. These conditions will last no longer than 2-3 weeks, then your body regulates and
you go back to normal. Example: drinking water from another country.
IBD is Inflammatory Bowel Disease. These are chronic diseases. Those who have IBD will have to live a major part of their lives dealing with it every day.
Example: Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis, Diverticulitis.
Some 700,000 Americans have IBD
IBD affects the gastrointestinal tract.
IBD/IBS is all about…..pooping. Right? Wrong! Arthritis pain, skin diseases, inflammation of the eye, spine and joint conditions have been linked
to Crohn’s in some Americans. IBD can affect numerous symptoms in the immune system.
IBD can cause inflammation throughout the body.
Everybody’s stomach is different. For example, brothers both diagnosed with Crohn’s may react differently to the same medicine.
Living with IBD has its ups and downs. One day you may not want to get out of bed, the next you may find yourself hiking.
As of now, there is no cure for IBD, but a visit with your gastroenterologist can help you live more of a normal life. Awareness seems to fuel the fire
for finding a cure.