CHRONIC INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWEL
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
A group of long-term inflammatory conditions of the bowel — including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis — causing diarrhoea, abdominal pain, bleeding and weight loss. Managed with specialist long-term care.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic conditions in which the digestive tract becomes inflamed. The two main forms are Crohn's disease, which can affect any part of the gut from mouth to anus and involves deeper layers of the bowel wall, and ulcerative colitis, which involves only the colon and rectum and is limited to the lining. Typical features include persistent or recurring diarrhoea, abdominal pain and cramping, blood in the stool, urgency, weight loss, tiredness, and reduced appetite. Some patients also develop symptoms outside the gut — affecting joints, skin, eyes or liver. IBD is a lifelong condition with periods of active flare-ups and remission. Treatment is complex and includes anti-inflammatory therapy, immune-modifying therapy, biological therapy in selected cases, nutritional support and surgery when needed. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides initial evaluation, co-management with gastroenterology and long-term medical care at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Abnormal immune response in genetically susceptible individuals
- Family history of IBD
- Environmental triggers — smoking (especially in Crohn's), infections, diet
- Altered gut bacteria
- Western dietary patterns
- Stress is not a direct cause but can worsen symptoms
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Endoscopy with biopsies, imaging, blood and stool tests
Crohn's disease · Ulcerative colitis
Anti-inflammatory therapy, immune-modifying therapy, biological therapy and surgery in selected cases
Periods of flare-up and remission throughout life
Strictures, fistulas, malnutrition, anaemia and increased long-term cancer risk
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad — co-managed with specialist gastroenterology
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Specialist Co-Management with Long-Term Care
The most effective approach combines specialist gastroenterology input for diagnosis and ongoing care with long-term medical management — anti-inflammatory therapy, immune-modifying therapy, biological therapy in selected cases, nutritional support, monitoring for complications and surgery when needed.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Pravallika reviews symptoms, examines the patient, arranges blood and stool tests and refers for endoscopy and specialist evaluation.
- 2
Treatment Planning
A personalised plan is created in coordination with gastroenterology, with both flare-up and maintenance strategies.
- 3
Medical Management
Anti-inflammatory therapy, immune-modifying therapy, biological therapy in selected cases, nutritional support and management of complications.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Long-term follow-up with regular monitoring of disease activity, side effects, screening for complications and quality-of-life support.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Anti-Inflammatory Therapy
Specific anti-inflammatory medication is used to control flare-ups and maintain remission in many patients.
Immune-Modifying Therapy in Selected Cases
Immune-modifying medication is used in selected patients to control more severe or steroid-dependent disease.
Biological Therapy in Selected Cases (Referral for gastroenterology)
Biological therapy is used for moderate to severe disease and is initiated and monitored under specialist care.
Nutritional Support
Dietary advice, addressing nutritional deficiencies, iron supplementation and tailored nutritional support all play important roles.
Surgical Care for Complications (Referral for surgical evaluation)
Surgery may be needed for complications such as strictures, fistulas, severe disease unresponsive to medication, or specific situations in ulcerative colitis.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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