Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to two conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract (which includes the stomach, small intestine and large intestine). Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are two illnesses characterized by immune cells that cause damage and inflammation to the lining of the stomach or intestines. Between 25 and 40 percent of patients develop symptoms during childhood and adolescence.

The cause of IBD is still unknown. There is likely an interaction between a person's genetic makeup and their environment that triggers the disease process.

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis affect different parts of the gastrointestinal tract. In Crohn's disease, any area of the digestive system—from the mouth to the anus—may be affected. In ulcerative colitis, only the large intestine (colon) is involved.

Symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease vary and may include:

In a small number of children, the patient may clearly have inflammatory bowel disease, but physicians are unable to determine if Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis is the cause. These children are diagnosed with indeterminate colitis. Gastroenterologists can often pinpoint the cause of the colitis and inflammation later in the child’s life.

Diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Your child's pediatric gastroenterologist may perform the following exams and tests to correctly diagnose inflammatory bowel disease:

  • Blood tests. Blood tests are used to diagnose the condition and find out if your child has ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease or indeterminate colitis. Examples of blood tests include complete blood count (CBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), chemistry panel and inflammatory bowel disease antibody panel.
  • Stool tests. Your child's doctor may order a stool test to see if there is blood in the stool and to find signs of inflammation and bacteria.
  • Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy and colonoscopy. All children who are suspected to have ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease will undergo both an upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy and a colonoscopy. The upper GI endoscopy examines the esophagus (swallowing tube), stomach and upper small intestine. A colonoscopy examines the end of the small intestine and the entire large intestine. Your child will feel no pain or discomfort during these procedures, which are performed under general anesthesia.
  • Imaging studies. Imaging studies that may be performed to diagnose inflammatory bowel disease include:
    • Fluoroscopy. The doctor may perform a type of fluoroscopy procedure called small bowel barium X-ray. This study looks for disease in the areas of the small intestine which may not be reached and examined during the required endoscopy.
    • Special imaging studies. The doctor may perform special imaging studies to look for problems with other organs (liver, pancreas, gallbladder, kidneys). An IV may be required. These tests should not be painful to your child. They include:
  • Capsule endoscopy. If a regular endoscopy does not allow the doctor to see all parts of the digestive tract that he or she needs to examine, capsule endoscopy may be used. Older children will be asked to swallow a capsule containing a camera that takes pictures throughout the small intestine while younger children will have the capsule placed by an endoscope. The capsule transmits a radio signal to a belt which is worn for eight hours following ingestion of the capsule.
Health Info Videocta Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease: What To Expect

The goal of this video is to help you know what to expect when your child has an inflammatory bowel disease, including how the condition is managed and what you can do to help your child at home.

Treatments

Treatment of inflammatory bowel disease involves treating the specific type of the disease—Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Treatments are designed to decrease injury to the intestines and promote growth. Because ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease affect different areas of the gastrointestinal tract, there are some minor differences in therapy based on the location of the patient's disease. It is natural for some children to become overwhelmed with having a lifelong illness. They will need the support of family, friends and, sometimes, a professional counselor.

Key Points to Remember

  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
  • Both conditions cause inflammation to different parts of the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Treatments are focused on decreasing and preventing damage to the intestines.
  • It is natural that some children may become overwhelmed with the thought of having a lifelong illness. Children will need the support of family, friends and, sometimes, a professional counselor.

Support Services & Resources

Visit the websites below to find support groups and services and learn more about inflammatory bowel disease.

Riley at IU Health offers a broad range of supportive services to make life better for families who choose us for their children's care.

Learn More About Riley Support Services

Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America

This website includes material on living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and provides information about support groups and camps for children living with these conditions.

GIKids

This website from the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition includes resources and nutrition guides for parents and children living with inflammatory bowel disease.

ImproveCareNow

Riley at IU Health participates in this national health network that is dedicated to improving the care of children with inflammatory bowel disease.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Research

Our pediatric gastroenterologists actively participate in a large variety of local and national research studies. These studies are examining new treatments and new tests to help with diagnosis. We are also participating in studies about the quality of life in children with inflammatory bowel disease. Finally, we are performing sophisticated studies about protein and calorie metabolism in these children. We are the recipients of several grants to continue this research. Your child's gastroenterologist may ask you about your interest in participating in these studies.

Locations

Locations

In addition to our primary hospital location at the Academic Health Center in Indianapolis, IN, we have convenient locations to better serve our communities throughout the state.

Sort through 6 facilities offering Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) care by entering your city or zip below.

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Departments Treating This Condition