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Inflammatory Bowel Disease

​​​​​​​​​​​​Information for Treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients

What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), specifically ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, cause chronic inflammation within all or part of the digestive tract. Common symptoms are diarrhea​, bloody stools​, abdominal pain, fatigue​ and weight loss​. IBD can range from mild to severe and can be a complex disorder to manage and treat. IBD can also involve other areas of the body, such as the skin, large joints, eyes and liver, and can cause back pain. Although IBD can be debilitating and sometimes leads to life-threatening complications, there are now many treatments available for these disorders.​


What is the best diet for IBD?

​​Our patients will often tell us that they experience discomfort or diarrhea more frequently when they eat certain foods. Research into the best diet for inflammatory bowel disease continues to evolve and improve the management of IBD. We work closely with our patients to define what will work most effectively for them as individuals.                   


Learn more about gastroenterology.                   


What are the best medication options for IBD?

​New and cutting edge medications are continually emerging in the treatment of IBD, and can significantly improve management of it. There are also many proven medications available. Our team stays informed of and is involved in the latest research, and we work together with you to find the combination of medicines that will work best for you.                  


Learn more about gastroenterology.​                  


What are the best surgical options for IBD?

​Our specialists are very experienced in IBD surgery and are recognized nationally for their surgical expertise. Learn more about surgical options for IBD at The Christ Hospital.​                   


What causes IBD flares?

​A “flare” occurs when symptoms of IBD appear or worsen. A flare can occur without an identifiable reason. A few of the triggers can include certain medications, smoking, lapse in taking medications and having an infection. Stress often makes people with IBD feel worse.                    


Learn more about gastroenterology.​                  


What lifestyle measures can I take to stay healthy with IBD?

​As the science and research into treating and managing IBD has improved, we’ve come to understand how the body can benefit from a number of lifestyle measures.                    


Those include:                   

  • Tobacco cessation
  • Exercise
  • Diet
  • Stress management
  • Support 
  • Sleep

Our team of experts comes together to help you with all facets of the disease, including developing a plan for the lifestyle adjustments you can make to help better manage IBD. We then help you work through that plan.                    


Learn more about gastroenterology.​                  


What research is available for me to participate in?

​Our close relationship with the highly-regarded, Cincinnati-based Consultants for Clinical Research (CCR) is a benefit for our patients. Consultants for Clinical Research is a multi-specialty research center involved in conducting clinical research studies evaluating investigational and existing medications. CCR has been involved in the research of most of the medications routinely used to treat IBD.                    


We work with Consultants for Clinical Research to find research and clinical trial opportunities that may be the right fit for our patients.                   


What can I do about stress to help my IBD?

​The research and evidence tells us that stress plays a role in IBD symptoms. Our psychologists can help patients to craft stress management tools and techniques that can help to keep flares at bay.                   


Besides my gastrointestinal tract, does IBD impact other areas of my body?

​Yes, the chronic inflammation of IBD can impact more than just your gastrointestinal tract. IBD can also affect your skin, knees, hips and ankles and eyes. Our team also includes dermatologists, rheumatologists and ophthalmologists with whom we work to treat your entire body.                   


Learn more about dermatology.​

Learn more about rheumatology.​


What is my cancer risk with IBD and what can I do about it?

​The risk for colorectal cancer does increase with IBD. The risk varies depending on many factors, including how much of the colon has been affected, how long you’ve had the disease, if you have a family history of colorectal cancer and if you have a history of long periods of inflammation. We partner with our patients to intimately understand each of their personal risk factors, to closely monitor them and to ensure that an appropriate schedule of colonoscopies is established. Our goal is to prevent colon cancer. These steps, and others, allow us to manage the risk as best as modern medicine will allow.                   


Learn more about gastroenterology.                   

Learn more about oncology.​​                   


Does having IBD affect my ability to become pregnant?

​Having IBD doesn’t necessarily affect your ability to become pregnant, but there are certain steps that can be taken to help to make pregnancy smoother. Attempting pregnancy when the disease is in remission, and under the careful supervision of an ob/gyn can mean a normal, healthy pregnancy.                 


Learn more ob/gyn.​                 


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