Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a condition that not only affects many people around the world, but it is also incurable.
What is IBD
IBD is a condition that affects the bowels. It is chronic inflammation that forms in all or some parts of the digestive tract. It is commonly understood that IBD occurs as a result of a defective immune system. Little is known about what actually causes IBD but ongoing studies suggest that there are three major players in the game including:
- The immune system response
- Genetics
- Triggers in the environment
The condition affects both genders and all age groups but generally forms between the ages of 15 and 30.
What are the symptoms of IBD
There are, as suggested by studies, a few symptoms that are indicative of IBD:
- Upset stomach
- Gas or bloating
- Loss of appetite
- Blood in stool
- Diarrhea/constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Fever
- Nausea and vominting
The disorder may cause several complications including anemia, kidney stones, and liver disease, to mention a few. One of the more serious complications includes colon cancer.
Diagnosis
The condition is diagnosed through a series of tests including a complete blood count (cbc), stool tests, along with several other tests such as colonoscopy, upper and capsule endonoscopy, etc.
Treatment
There are several medical treatments available to address and help reduce inflammation, including antibiotics, immunomodulators, biologics, etc.
In addition, in a 2013 study conducted on mice, it was found that cannabigerol (CBC) demonstrated some very positive results when used to combat inflammation as a result of IBD. Cannabigerol oil can be administered orally and studies suggest that its use helps to reduce inflammation as well as nitric oxide. Scientists suggest, based on the results of this study, that CBC should be included in experimental studies for IBD patients.
