Introduction
Many of you might have heard about IBD, or some of you, unfortunately, might be experiencing this issue. A recent study says that in India, we have an estimated 2.7 lakh IBD patients. Let me give a piece of detailed information about the complete spectrum of IBD and leave nothing behind.
Inflammatory bowel disease also referred to as IBD, is predominantly identified as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which are distinguished by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Prolonged inflammation causes damage to the gastrointestinal tract. IBD is a constantly re-occurring disease that requires frequent attention.
Homeopathy is a science that works on a holistic level. Inflammatory Bowel Disease is itself a very individualized disease that shows a variety of symptoms in different people. Homeopathy can help you in a way that can bring down the episodes and intensity of your flare-ups.
Table of Content
What are the types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
It is mainly divided into two types of GI tract disorders. Both of them are inflammatory conditions, but they have certain differences. Let’s discuss them in more detail.
- Crohn’s Disease:
Crohn’s disease is a kind of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes inflammation of the tissues in your digestive tract, especially the inner layer of the small intestines, resulting in pain in your abdomen, serious bowel movements, exhaustion, a decrease in weight, and malnutrition. The inflammation occurs in patches rather than affecting the whole area.
Crohn’s disease Inflammation can affect various digestive tract regions in different persons, with the small intestine being the most frequent. This inflammation frequently spreads to the deeper layers of your bowel.
Crohn’s disease can be painful and debilitating, with potentially fatal complications.
2. Ulcerative Colitis:
Ulcerative colitis is a disorder that occurs when the linings of the large intestine (colon) and rectum inflame. The damage usually starts in the rectum and then spreads to the colon. The inflammatory condition of the GI tract is in continuity and does not occur in patches.
This type of IBD does not pass to the deeper layers. It only affects the innermost layer of the colon and rectum.
What causes Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
Although the specific etiology of IBD is uncertain, it is thought to be caused by reduced immunity. Possible causes include:
- The immune system reacts improperly to environmental triggers, such as viruses or bacteria, resulting in digestive tract swelling.
- There also seems to be a factor of genetics. A person with a familial history of IBD is particularly prone to having this abnormal immune reaction. According to research, 5% to 20% of people with inflammatory bowel disease have a first-degree family member, such as a parent, child, or sibling, who has the ailment.
What are the risk factors for Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
Certain factors in the environment make you more prone to the development of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Some of them can be avoided by improving lifestyles, and some of these environmental factors are unavoidable. However, knowing the risk factors helps you with decision-making for your body. Okay, let’s talk about them.
- If you are a smoker, either current or former
- Have any entero-bacterial infection
- If you consume foods that promote inflammation in the body
- Atmospheric pollution also affects you and poses a risk
- Consuming Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
- If you are particularly stressed or depressed, then it may take a toll on your gut health
- Being hooked on any hormonal therapy also affects and may cause IBD
What are the symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
IBD causes a variety of issues in the colon and rectum, but it can also impact other areas of the body. The symptoms may appear and disappear. People with IBD may have flare-ups followed by periods of no symptoms.
The earliest symptoms of IBD may emerge after being exposed to an object that impacts the intestines, such as a medicine (including aspirin, ibuprofen, and antibiotics) or a gastrointestinal infection. The inflammation or infection resolves, yet the body’s immunity continues to respond.
IBD symptoms can be divided into categories according to their severity and time of occurrence.
Initial symptoms of IBD include:
- Abdominal discomfort.
- Diarrhea, occasionally bloody.
- Urgency for bowel movement and fecal incontinence.
- Rectal bleeding
- Symptoms include weight loss, fever, and anemia.
If the inflammation persists, it may damage the intestine and lead to intense symptoms.
- Abscesses: Pockets of infection that can shred the intestinal wall.
- Strictures: Areas of constriction in the bowel.
- Fistulas: Aberrant channels between two organs or veins that would ordinarily not connect. Fistulas form when inflammation and pressure in the intestine break down tissue, allowing stool contents to flow into the bladder, urethra, or vagina.
- Long-term inflammation in the colon raises the risk of colon cancer.
What are the complications of Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
Inflammatory Bowel Disease may get complicated if not treated properly. It included the following complications:
- IBD can cause inflammation of the skin, joints, and eyes.
- IBD also increases your chance of blood clots that might be fatal.
How does Inflammatory Bowel Disease get diagnosed?
There is no particular conclusive test to prove the existence of IBD; hence, the disorder is detected using a combination of procedures such as endoscopy, biopsy, and imaging.
- Medical History: The complete medical history of a person is required to establish a connection with the current condition of the patient.
- Physical examination: A thorough physical examination will be done by your registered medical practitioner.
- Blood Test: It helps to rule out any other condition that may cause symptoms similar to IBD.
- Stool Tests: They help to rule out the chances of infections and to find out about the severity of inflammation.
- Colonoscopy and Biopsy: This test generates live video pictures of the colon and rectum, allowing the clinician to evaluate the lining of the intestines for swelling, ulcers, and other symptoms of IBD. A medical professional often performs biopsies following a colonoscopy, which involves removing tiny parts of tissue from the colon and sending them to a laboratory for study. Biopsy results can aid clinicians in confirming an IBD diagnosis and distinguishing between Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
How can Homeopathy help with Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
These are the top 6 Homeopathic remedies for the treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease:
- BJain Arsenicum Album: A foul-smelling stool containing dark-colored blood. This medication can provide significant relief whenever alcoholic beverages, juicy fruit, or cold beverages aggravate the disease. Burning discomfort in the abdomen and rectum.
- BJain Mercurius Corrosivus: This is the finest homeopathic medicine for people who pass bloody stools and pieces of mucous membranes with their stool. Patients have a persistent urge to excrete, but only a small amount of heated, foul-smelling excrement is passed.
- BJain Aloe Socotrina causes loose stools that worsen quickly after eating or drinking something. The patient has a sudden desire to expel feces and rushes to the lavatory. It also helps with diarrhea that worsens after drinking alcohol.
- BJain Colchicum Autumnale: Treats ulcerative colitis with gel-like mucus in the stool. Patients usually have intense nausea and are unable to endure the stench of cooking food, particularly eggs, fish, and meat. Possibly causes unconsciousness. Vomiting mucous, bile, and food.
- BJain Phosphorus: Stool with blood and green mucus that is quite unpleasant. The situation generally worsens in the morning hours.
- BJain Omeo Dysentry Drops: It is a meticulously formulated combination of well-proven homoeopathic medicines. It helps with the various symptoms of IBD. Dysentery is one of the most commonly occurring complaints of IBD. These drops are very well known for their action in cases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q.1. Are IBS and IBD the same?
Ans. Both Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are used as synonyms, but in reality, they are different diseases. The only common ground between them is Bowel. They are both bowel diseases with a completely different spectrum. Symptoms of IBS comprise chronic stomach pain along with shifts in bowel patterns, such as diarrhea and constipation, or oscillating between the two. Indications vary from person to person and may fluctuate over time, making them tricky to handle.
Q.2. Will I always be suffering from IBD?
Ans. No, you don’t have to suffer forever. IBD is perfectly manageable with Homeopathy. You can be treated in a holistic way with homeopathic medicines.
Q.3. How can I manage my IBD?
A certain lifestyle and food adjustments may help alleviate the symptoms. You can do:
- Consume smaller portions every two or four hours.
- Adopt healthy stress-management techniques, such as meditation, tai chi, listening to music, or heading for a walk.
- Get enough sleep and be physically active.
- Keep a diet journal to identify which foods cause IBD flares. You may discover that you have a food intolerance, such as lactose. If so, your body has difficulties digesting certain meals, resulting in stomach distress.
- Avoid foods that upset your intestinal tract, such as ones that are fibrous, spicy, oily, or include milk. During flares, seek soft, bland foods that are low in inflammation.
- Reduce your consumption of beverages containing caffeine, carbonation, and alcohol.
- Drinking more water also helps with the symptoms.
Q.4. When should I go to see a doctor?
Ans. If you see any symptoms mentioned above and recurrent episodes of those particular complaints, then go visit your homeopathic doctor. Do not delay starting your treatment, if you get diagnosed with IBD.
Q.5. My father has IBD. Will I also be affected by IBD?
Ans. Inflammatory Bowel Disease has a genetic background. But it is not compulsory that you get IBD. According to some research, only 5% to 20% of people get affected due to genetic history. You also have to take care of environmental and dietary factors.
Dr Kiran Swami
Dr. Kiran Swami, BHMS, MD (Hom.), a Research Officer at BJain Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., holds degrees from Nehru Homeopathic Medical College, Delhi, and Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Rajasthan Ayurved University, Jodhpur. With expertise in homeopathy and a passion for research, she drives innovation in holistic healthcare solutions.