8.2 Inflammatory Bowel Disease Flashcards
What is inflammatory bowel disease?
A group of conditions characterised by inflammation of the GI tract
What are the two most common types of IBD?
Crohns disease and Ulcerative Colitis
Where in the GI tract does Crohn’s disease effect?
Anywhere in the GI tract, often the ileum
In which of the two main IBDs do skip legions occur?
Crohn’s disease
Where in the GI tract does Ulcerative Colitis affect?
Starts at the rectum and moves proximally to involve the whole colon
What part of the intestinal wall does ulcerative colitis damage?
Mucosal layer
What part of the intestinal wall does Crohn’s disease damage?
Full thickness
What are the main symptoms of IBD?
MSK pain, skin problems, liver problems, eye problems
In which of the two main IBDs will fistulae form?
Crohn’s disease
What investigations can be done to check for Crohn’s disease?
Blood tests
CT/MRI- check for fistulae, obstructions
Barium meal
COlonoscopy
What investigations can be done to check for Ulcerative Colitis?
Blood test Stool culture Abdominal radiograph CT/MRI Colonoscopy
What is intermediate colitis?
When a person’s disease cannot be characterised to UC or Crohns
What lifestyle changes can be made to reduce IBD?
Stop smoking, exercise more, have a healthy diet
How can ulcerative colitis be cured?
Surgery- colonectomy,
Why might someone with Crohn’s disease need surgery?
To fix fistulae and strictures