Crohns & Colitis - 3 Flashcards
What is ulcerative colitis?
A chronic inflammatory bowel disease affecting the colon.
Can I die from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?
Death due to IBD is rare, and life expectancy is generally the same as those without IBD.
Improvements in medical and surgical management have reduced the mortality risk associated with IBD.
What is the prognosis for IBD patients after the first year of diagnosis?
After the first year, the risk of dying appears to be no different than in individuals without IBD.
What factors can affect the prognosis of IBD?
- Age of first diagnosis
- Location of disease
- Severity of the first attack
- Appearance of the intestinal lining during colonoscopy
- Blood tests and genetic tests
What is the significance of the first attack of IBD?
The severity of the first attack tends to predict the subsequent course of the disease.
What is the risk of having another flare after a severe first episode of IBD?
Approximately 50% chance of having another flare within 1 year after tapering off steroid medication.
What lifestyle changes might be necessary for someone with IBD?
Lifestyle changes can vary, but may include dietary modifications and stress management.
True or False: People with IBD can lead productive lives.
True.
Fill in the blank: The likelihood that IBD will progress depends on the _______ of intestine involved.
[extent]
What percentage of patients may experience spontaneous improvement of IBD symptoms without treatment?
5% to 30%.
What is the role of nutrition in managing IBD?
Nutritional advice and special diets may be recommended in specific cases.
How do emotional responses to a diagnosis of IBD vary among individuals?
- Fear
- Anxiety
- Anger
- Sadness
- Acceptance as a challenge
What should a patient do if they are uncertain about medical information found online?
Discuss it with their doctor.
What is the common misconception about surgery for IBD?
Some patients and doctors may be reluctant to consider surgery at diagnosis, even when it may be appropriate.
What is a common initial reaction to a diagnosis of IBD?
The question ‘Can I die from this disease?’
What can cause flares in IBD?
Flares can occur without identifiable causes; stress, diet, and infections do not consistently trigger them.
What is a potential outcome of successful treatment for IBD?
Achieving full remission, where the patient is free of symptoms.
What is the importance of identifying triggers for IBD flares?
Identifying triggers can help reduce the risk of future flares.
What is one of the most common fears among those newly diagnosed with IBD?
The fear of having to wear a bag to collect stool.
Fill in the blank: IBD is not a _______ condition.
[fatal]
What is a significant concern for patients regarding IBD and pregnancy?
Whether the condition will flare during pregnancy.
What is a common misconception from older studies regarding IBD?
That the risk of dying is increased in people with IBD compared to those without.
What is the typical course of IBD symptoms over time?
Symptoms can fluctuate in severity, sometimes improving or worsening without clear reasons.
What is the relationship between stress and IBD flares?
No consistent evidence shows that stress directly increases the risk of flares.
What is spontaneous improvement in IBD?
Improvements that occur without medication or addition of new medication, possibly due to changes in diet, stress levels, or natural fluctuations in immune response.
Researchers are investigating the factors behind spontaneous improvements to help develop new treatment methods.
What is remission in the context of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis?
A state where a proportion of patients experience improvement in symptoms without treatment, which may be complete but not necessarily permanent.
This is more common in individuals with mild flares or symptoms.
How can IBD affect school-age children and young adults?
IBD can interfere with education due to absences from school caused by disease flares and doctor appointments.
What accommodations can teachers provide for students with IBD?
- Excuse students during class or exams for bathroom breaks
- Arrange for assignments to be brought to hospitalized students
- Provide Internet access for studying during hospitalization.
Is it common for students with IBD to require additional help catching up on schoolwork?
Yes, especially if they have prolonged absences due to illness.
Can IBD patients pursue various career paths?
Yes, many IBD sufferers have successful careers in diverse fields such as teaching, law, engineering, and more.
What does the Ontario Human Rights Code state about employment discrimination?
It prohibits discrimination based on disability, including IBD.
True or False: Employers can discriminate against applicants with chronic conditions.
False.
Federal disability laws in the U.S. also forbid most employers from asking about medical conditions.
What should you consider when deciding to disclose your IBD condition to a prospective employer?
- The potential for feeling deceived
- The employer’s understanding of the condition
- Possible modifications needed for work conditions.
What percentage of IBD patients may eventually need to go on short-term or long-term disability?
A small proportion of IBD sufferers experience frequent flares or persistent symptoms that prevent them from working.
What is the impact of IBD on time missed from work or school after diagnosis?
There may be an increase in missed time in the first year or two after diagnosis, but it typically stabilizes afterward.
What is a common management strategy for outpatient treatment of IBD?
Close communication between healthcare professionals and patients, along with education about therapy expectations.
What percentage of ulcerative colitis patients may require surgery?
20% to 34%.
For Crohn’s disease, this figure is notably higher at 70% to 80%.
What is a stoma?
A surgical opening created to allow waste material to exit the body, which can be temporary or permanent.
The two main types are ileostomy and colostomy.
What lifestyle factors can impact IBD severity?
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Colds and flu
- Medications
- Smoking
- Alcohol
How can stress affect IBD?
Stress is associated with disturbed sleep patterns and fatigue, which can negatively impact immune function and potentially lead to disease flares.
What is the relationship between smoking and Crohn’s disease?
Smoking increases the risk of developing Crohn’s disease and may make the disease more aggressive.
What is the effect of smoking on ulcerative colitis?
Smoking appears protective against developing ulcerative colitis, but smoking cessation may increase the risk for former smokers.
Will I be able to become pregnant if I have IBD?
What may happen to ulcerative colitis after smoking cessation?
The disease may become more active after smoking cessation.
Some researchers have explored using nicotine, in the form of skin patches, as a treatment for ulcerative colitis.
What should nonsmokers do if they develop ulcerative colitis?
Don’t start smoking, because other health risks outweigh any possible benefit from smoking.
Can women with IBD expect to become pregnant?
If the condition is under good control, they should expect to have as much chance of getting pregnant as a woman without IBD.
What can interrupt a woman’s normal menstrual cycle when suffering from IBD?
Symptoms and any resulting weight loss can interrupt the normal menstrual cycle.
What should you inform your surgeon about before IBD surgery?
Your plans for having children and ask what procedure would best meet your needs.
What can surgery for IBD lead to in terms of fertility?
Increased rates of infertility due to scarring around the fallopian tubes.
What should sexually active individuals with IBD use during a disease flare?
Appropriate birth control methods.
What medications for IBD are generally safe during pregnancy?
5-ASA-containing medications and steroids, such as prednisone.
What medication should be avoided during pregnancy?
Methotrexate.
What is a concern regarding the use of ciprofloxacin during pregnancy?
Its effect on cartilage development in the fetus.
What should be discussed with your doctor before becoming pregnant?
Questions about medications and their risks and benefits during pregnancy.
What type of specialists should you be followed by during pregnancy with IBD?
A gastroenterologist and an obstetrician.
What is the likelihood of IBD flaring during pregnancy?
High likelihood if the disease is active at the time of pregnancy.
What should you do if the disease is in remission at the beginning of pregnancy?
It can be treated as needed with most medications normally used in nonpregnant women, except methotrexate.
What is a precaution for pregnancy in women with IBD?
It is best to become pregnant when IBD is well controlled.
What is the expected outcome for women with IBD regarding delivery?
They can expect to have as much chance as any other woman of having a vaginal delivery.
What should be avoided during delivery to prevent complications in women with IBD?
Uncontrolled tears.
What can affect travel plans for IBD sufferers?
Active disease or unpredictable symptoms.
What should IBD sufferers consider when traveling?
Traveling companions, bathroom breaks, and planning around symptoms.
What precautions should be taken when traveling by plane with IBD?
Plan bathroom visits, use antidiarrheal medication if safe, and maintain regular meals.
What should be packed in carry-on luggage for IBD travelers?
Change of clothes, premoistened disposable towelettes, and medications.
What is traveler’s diarrhea?
A term for infections caused by viruses and bacteria from contaminated food or water.
What can traveler’s diarrhea lead to in someone with IBD?
A flare of the IBD.
What are potential locations where traveler’s diarrhea is common?
Tropical destinations and areas with unsafe food and water supplies.
What factors may contribute to the development of IBD?
Genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and immune response.
The specific causes of IBD are still being researched.
