About Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease describes a group of conditions, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which cause inflammation in the intestines. These are life-long gastrointestinal disorders, with Australia having one of the highest prevalence of IBD in the world. Symptoms vary greatly and depend on the severity of the inflammation and location of the affected area within the intestine. In children, IBD can be mild and easily controlled, or more difficult to manage and a cause of anxiety. There is currently no cure for IBD, however, effective treatments can control inflammation, relieve symptoms and optimise your child’s growth and puberty milestones.
Examination and Diagnosis
Dr McIntyre will take a thorough medical history and perform a physical exam as well as requesting additional tests, such as blood tests, stool samples, a gastroscopy and/or colonoscopy to confirm a diagnosis in order to effectively treat your child.
Treatment
Most children and adults with IBD experience “active” and “remission” phases of the disease, meaning symptoms can come and go depending on the degree of inflammation in the intestinal tract. Effective management of the disease with medication is possible. By controlling inflammation, this allows the intestinal tissue to heal and results in relief from symptoms and a reduction in the frequency of flare ups.