IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus, though it commonly impacts the small intestine and beginning of the colon. It causes patchy areas of inflammation, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, malabsorption (especially vitamin B12!), and weight loss. Complications may include intestinal blockages, ulcers, and malnutrition due to poor absorption of nutrients.

Ulcerative colitis is another form of IBD, but it specifically affects the inner lining of the large intestine (colon). Unlike Crohn’s, it results in continuous areas of inflammation starting in the rectum and ascending to include other parts of the colon.

Symptoms often include diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and an urgent need to defecate. Over time, the chronic inflammation in ulcerative colitis increases the risk of colon cancer.

Microscopic colitis is a less well-known type of IBD that affects the large intestine. There are drug-free solutions, in which Dr. Ivanina specializes. Unlike Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis, it does not show visible inflammation during colonoscopy but is diagnosed microscopically through biopsies. It is divided into collagenous and lymphocytic colitis, each with unique cellular changes in the intestinal lining. Symptoms typically include chronic, watery diarrhea, and treatment is integrative using diet, supplements, and anti-inflammatory medications if needed.