Welcome To P.I.T.G. dot ORG!
Welcome to our community. For those who aren't familiar, IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome ) affects millions of Americans. If you were to ask around I am sure you would find at least one person you know that suffers from one of these conditions. Here, at P.I.T.G., the goal is to create a support community for individuals that suffer from these conditions. A place for you to share your thoughts, stories, fears, concerns, etc. So...Don't be shy and stop by the forum and see what it's all about. And trust me...No need to be embarrassed as we have all probably been there!
About IBD
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) really encompasses two separate conditions one known as Crohn's disease and the other known as Ulcerative Colitis. Together these two conditions affect nearly 1 to 2 million Americans and millions of others around the world.
Crohn's Disease, named after Dr. Burrill B Crohn, is a chronic disorder that has the potential to affect the entire gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This condition causes inflammation to occur most commonly in the small intestine and/or colon. The symptoms include (The faint of heart may want to skip this part) diarrhea, cramping, weight loss, rectal bleeding, abscess, fistulas, ulcers, skin lesions, joint pain, and sometimes constipation (okay...done with the gross part). Despite years of research there is still no known cause for the disease and no cure. Because there is no cure, individuals who have Crohn's rely strictly on disease management and suppressing the bodys inflammatory response. This is usually accomplished using (Here come some big words) Aminosalicylates, Corticosteroids (such as Prednisone), Immune modifiers, Antibiotics, and Biologic Therapies (Such as Probiotics). If all else fails surgery is usually the last option. Up to two-thirds of all Crohn's patients will end up having surgery.
Ulcerative Colitis, like Crohn's, is a chronic disorder but, only affects the colon. Colitis will not affect the entire GI tract like Crohn's does, this is the main difference between the two. The symptoms of the two can be very similar so no need for me to go through that again. The treatment can also be very similar as there is again no cure for Ulcerative Colitis and patients mainly take medication to control the bodys inflammatory response. On the up side this condition only results in one-third of patients resorting to surgery when all other options have failed.
As you can see both conditions are very similar and offer similar treatment. Most individuals that suffer from these conditions do lead perfectly normal lives and often go through extended periods of disease remission and experience flare-ups from time to time. That is just a brief summary of IBD but there is plenty more available on this site. If you have any questions be sure to check out the forum as somebody always seems to have an answer!
About IBS
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is known, not as a disease, but as a functional disorder. This means that the bowel, also known as the Large Intestine or Colon, does not function as it normally should. IBS is thought to affect nearly 10-20% of the population and is one of the most common disorders diagnosed by Gastroenterologists.
IBS symptoms can vary from individual to individual and range from diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and nausea. Sufferers of IBS tend to fit themselves into one of three categories: diarrhea-predominant IBS, constipation-predominant IBS, or alternating diarrhea and constipation.
Fortunately, unlike more serious intestinal diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome doesn't cause inflammation or changes in bowel tissue or increase your risk of colorectal cancer. In many cases, you can control irritable bowel syndrome by managing your diet, lifestyle, and stress.