Inflammatory Bowel Disease Specialist
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Todd B. Linden, MD, FACP
Gastroenterologist & Internist located in Soho, New York, NY
If you suffer from inflammatory bowel disease, you’re certainly not alone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that as many as 1.3% of American adults have been diagnosed with the condition. If you’re concerned about digestive symptoms and looking for answers, relief is available at Todd B. Linden MD FACP in Soho, Manhattan. At his practice, Dr. Linden has the skills and experience needed to determine the cause of your symptoms and get you on the right treatment path. Call his New York City office today or schedule an appointment online.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Q & A
What is inflammatory bowel disease?
Inflammatory bowel disease is not an actual disease, but a term used to describe disorders that create inflammation in your digestive tract. There are two primary types of inflammatory bowel disease: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Crohn’s disease
This condition can occur in any portion of your digestive tract, from your mouth to your anus. Areas of damage usually occur in patches, and inflammation can extend through multiple layers of your gastrointestinal tract.
Ulcerative colitis
This condition usually occurs in your large intestine or rectum. Areas of damage are usually continuous, often spreading from your rectum through your colon. Inflammation is usually contained within the innermost layer of your colon lining.
How do I know if I have inflammatory bowel disease?
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis share the same set of symptoms. Some things to keep an eye out for include:
- Bloody stool
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Cramping
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
Because these symptoms are also common to many other gastrointestinal issues, it’s important to get a professional diagnosis. There are treatments available to improve all types of gastrointestinal disorders but starting treatment early is the best way to improve outcomes.
How is inflammatory bowel disease treated?
There are several approaches to treating inflammatory bowel disease. Dr. Linden will sit down with you and discuss the details of each option, giving you everything you need to make an informed decision about your care.
Drug therapy is one treatment option. There are medications that work to suppress your immune response, which in turn reduces inflammation.
Some medications neutralize certain proteins created by your immune system. Even antibiotics can be an effective way to manage Crohn’s disease when an infection is present.
There are also medications that control pain or reduce diarrhea. Supplements can help boost your iron levels and provide additional calcium and vitamin D.
In some cases, a special diet administered via a feeding tube can ensure you get the nutrients you need without placing additional strain on your digestive system.
Surgery can also help by removing your colon and rectum. Advancements in surgical tools and techniques mean you may be able to have relatively normal bowel movements after your procedure.
To explore these and other treatments in greater detail, call or schedule an appointment online to come in and speak with Dr. Linden in his New York City office.
