HerArticle

Linda Fugate
More From This Member
Send Message

Her Writer

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Update

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) include Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and other conditions of anomalous chronic inflammation. There is as yet no cure, but the quality of life can be improved with treatment.

A recent review (Oct. 2009) reports that anemia is much more common than previously thought in patients with IBD. The primary cause is iron deficiency from chronic intestinal bleeding. Dietary restrictions and malabsorption also contribute to iron deficiency, which affects 45% of IBD patients, according to data quoted in the October review. Other factors contributing to anemia include drug side effects, impaired absorption of vitamin B12 and folate, and changes in iron metabolism.

The clinical symptoms of anemia are fatigue, headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, and tachycardia (rapid heart beat). Iron supplements can help some IBD patients, but often oral iron is not adequately absorbed. Intravenous iron can greatly improve the quality of life in these cases. If this treatment is not enough to reverse the anemia, then erythropoietin may be helpful.

Patients with IBD require careful attention to nutrition in general, according to a review from May 2009.

We value and respect the experiences of all of our HerWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.