What Is Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is an umbrella term for chronic inflammatory conditions of the digestive tract, most commonly Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
- Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and ulceration in the lining of the colon and rectum.
- Crohn’s disease can inflame any part of the gastrointestinal tract — from the small intestine to the colon — and may penetrate deep into bowel tissue.
At Digestive Healthcare Center, our experienced GI team sees patients from across NJ — including those from Hillsborough, Somerville, Warren, and the surrounding regions — and offers diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care for IBD.
What Are Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease?
Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are the two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). While they share many symptoms, each condition affects the digestive tract differently.
Ulcerative colitis causes chronic inflammation in the colon (large intestine). As the colon’s lining becomes irritated, it may empty more frequently, leading to diarrhea. The inflamed tissue can form tiny open sores, or ulcers, which may produce pus, mucus, and bleeding. Although ulcerative colitis can occur at any age, it most commonly develops in people between 15 and 40, with some cases appearing in children or adults over 50.
Crohn’s disease is an autoimmune condition that can affect any part of the digestive tract, but most often involves sections of the small and large intestines. In Crohn’s disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy digestive tissue, causing inflammation that can penetrate deep into the intestinal wall. While the exact cause is unknown, having a family history of Crohn’s disease can increase the risk of developing it. Symptoms often resemble those of ulcerative colitis, and their severity depends on the extent of the inflammation.
Together, these conditions make up IBD, a chronic group of disorders that require expert diagnosis and ongoing management to control inflammation and improve quality of life.
What Causes Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
IBD results when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy intestinal tissue, triggering GI tract inflammation. Although the exact trigger is not known, current research points to a mix of immune system dysfunction, genetic factors, and environmental influences, including gut bacteria imbalance and prior gastrointestinal infections.
It is no longer believed that stress or diet alone causes IBD. Instead, these may act as aggravating factors that influence symptom severity rather than cause the disease.
Family history also plays a role — people with relatives who have IBD are at higher risk.
How Is Inflammatory Bowel Disease Diagnosed?
Diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) begins with a careful review of your symptoms and medical history, along with a physical exam. Because IBD includes both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease—and each can affect the digestive tract differently—your gastroenterologist may use several tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine which type of IBD is present.
Common diagnostic tools include endoscopy or colonoscopy, which allow your provider to directly view the lining of the digestive tract and take tissue biopsies. Imaging studies, such as MRI or CT scans, may be used to assess inflammation deeper in the intestines or areas that cannot be seen with a scope. Additionally, stool and blood tests help rule out other conditions. Bloodwork can detect anemia or signs of infection, while stool studies can detect inflammation, infection, or nutrient-absorption issues.
At Digestive Healthcare Center, our specialists work closely with patients in Central Jersey and Somerset County to provide comprehensive evaluations and a personalized diagnostic plan, helping you get clarity and begin effective symptom management.
How Is Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treated?
While there is currently no cure for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), many patients achieve long-term symptom control through a combination of medication, lifestyle adjustments, and, in some cases, surgery. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, managing flare-ups, and helping you maintain a better quality of life. Your care plan will be tailored to your specific type of IBD and the severity of your symptoms.
Most treatment strategies involve a stepwise approach—starting with milder medications and progressing to stronger therapies as needed. In some cases, your provider may begin with a more aggressive treatment plan to achieve faster control of inflammation, then gradually step down to milder options.
Common medical treatments for IBD include:
- 5-ASA anti-inflammatory medications, such as aminosalicylates or corticosteroids, to calm inflammation in the digestive tract.
- Biologic therapies, including adalimumab (Humira®) and infliximab (Remicade®), which target specific parts of the immune system to reduce inflammation.
- Immune system suppressors like azathioprine or mercaptopurine help prevent the immune system from attacking healthy intestinal tissue.
Medications aimed at managing symptoms may also be recommended, such as:
- Antibiotics like metronidazole or ciprofloxacin are used when infection or bacterial overgrowth contributes to symptoms.
- Anti-diarrheal medications, acetaminophen, and other supportive treatments to help control discomfort and stabilize bowel habits.
Lifestyle changes can play an important role in easing symptoms. Many patients benefit from dietary modifications, stress-reduction techniques, and smoking cessation, all of which may support better digestive health and reduce flare-ups.
If medication and lifestyle adjustments do not provide adequate relief, surgery may be considered. Surgical options vary depending on whether the patient has ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, and may involve removing damaged portions of the intestines or addressing complications such as strictures or fistulas.
With the right combination of therapies, many people with IBD can manage their symptoms effectively and enjoy a significantly improved quality of life.
Why Choose Digestive Healthcare Center for IBD Care
At Digestive Healthcare Center, we understand that living with IBD can be challenging. That’s why we offer comprehensive care tailored to each individual’s needs — from diagnosis through long-term management. Our team is experienced in treating both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and we serve patients across NJ, including those from Hillsborough, Somerville, Warren, and surrounding communities. We offer both in-person and telemedicine visits for added convenience.
Our goal is to help you manage your symptoms, reduce inflammation, and achieve the best quality of life possible — with compassion, expertise, and continuity of care.
Schedule an Appointment
If you’re experiencing persistent digestive symptoms — such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue — don’t wait. Contact Digestive Healthcare Center today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey to better digestive health and long-term relief.