Staff of aeConnecticut Colon & Rectal LLC

440 New Britain Ave. Plainville, CT 06062

For an appointment call (860) 826-3880

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Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is actually a group of diseases that are an inflammation of the large intestine, colon and the small intestine. The two principle types of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases are Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. And of the two, only Crohn's Disease is the only IBD that affects the small intestine. In fact, Crohn's Disease may also affect the mouth, esophagus, stomach and anus.

The types of IBD:

Diagnosis

We diagnose these diseases by looking for known differences that exist in one and do not exist in others. For example, if the small intestine and/or stomach is involved this suggests Crohn's disease over other colitides. A diagnosis is usually confirmed by a tissue biopsy taken during a colonoscopy.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the exact illness as well as you, the patient. This is a group of diseases that tends to be managed based on the diagnosis and surgical options may have to be considered. Please call us at (860) 826-3880 and make an appointment so that we can discuss your options.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Facts

IBD is a broad term for chronic or recurring immune response that causes inflammation in the intestinal tract. The two most common inflammatory bowel diseases are ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. In Crohn's disease, the entire intestinal tract is involved; in ulcerative colitis, only the lower intestine is affected. Both illnesses are the result of an abnormal immune response.

The CDC estimates that between one and 1.3 million people in the United States suffer from IBD. The cause is not known and, without knowing what causes IBD, prevention is not possible.

The peak age for the onset for IBD is between 15 and 30 years of age, though it may occur at any age. Ulcerative colitis is more commen in males, Crohn's disease is more common in women.