Crohn's disease. Ulcerative colitis. Are you familiar with these terms? Yes? No? Maybe? Some have encountered such terms but don't really know exactly what they mean. Most of us don't even have a clue what kind of diseases these are. I hope you understand this is not a trivial issue since many of our kids today are suffering from these. And it's our prime responsibility as adults to acknowledge what they're going through and help them deal with it.

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic bowel conditions characterized by an inflamed colon or gastrointestinal tract. Both of these diseases are generally referred to as an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). With Crohn's disease more typically affecting the large intestine or colon, while ulcerative colitis affects the linings of the gastrointestinal tract. Given the mystery behind these problems, let's see if we can't provide answers to common questions that may come to mind, okay?

Question: How rare or common is this type of disease?

Answer: While it only affects around a million of people in the US, the numbers are increasing. In fact, statistics show the rate of incident of the disease among children has doubled in the last 15 years. This is all the more true among Hispanics and Asians for some reason.

Question: What symptoms are we looking into here?

Answer: The signs and symptoms of inflammatory bowel syndrome are different among different IBD sufferers. Some may experience abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhea, and nausea. While others may notice poor appetite, weight loss, and such things as skin irritations or arthritis. Several can experience blood in their stool. Should any of this happen to you, immediately contact your doctor so you can get timely diagnosis and the treatment you need. Then too, IBD sufferers may also suffer from bouts of depression and anxiety due to the ongoing discomfort caused by the disease.

Question: What causes inflammatory bowel disease?

Answer: No one knows. Scientists have not yet pinpointed the main culprit here although they suspect that genetics may play a role. The afflicted seem to lack the ability to deal with certain bacteria that cause the inflammation. These bacteria are not the problem for most people only those with IBD.

Question: How often does it strike?

Answer: People with IBD experience periods where the symptoms tend to wane while they may also experience flare ups at times especially when triggered by eating certain foods or stress. When periods of remission occur, the patient may only be given treatment in order to maintain it.

Question: How is inflammatory bowel disease diagnosed?

Answer: Done by a general practitioner or a gastrointestinal specialist, this disease is generally diagnosed based in large part on the symptoms as well as certain laboratory tests. Another necessary procedure for proper diagnosis is the colonoscopy or endoscopy or sigmoidoscopy where a specialized camera passes though the gastrointestinal tract so the doctor can examine it.

Question: What is the treatment for inflammatory bowel disease?

Answer: Different drugs are used to treat IBD. Corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory drugs are given to relieve inflammation. While in some cases, immune modifying drugs are given to suppress the immune system. Surgery may also be done as a last resort. In that case the colon is removed to cure ulcerative colitis. However, in the case of Crohn's disease, surgery can only go as far as removing the affected portions of the intestine but continuing with your meds would still be necessary.

Having IBD is not something to be taken lightly. Inflammatory bowel disease has impacted the lives of many people who suffer from it in ways big and small. For some it has substantially decreased their quality of life. The best thing we can do is to learn from it and try to understand their condition. Especially when it your kids who are affected by it.