Ileocolitis is a chronic disease, meaning it persists over a long period of time.
There currently is no cure for ileocolitis or Crohns disease.
It most often comes on gradually and worsens over time.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
However, health professionals believe there are some things that may play a role.
They may also want to perform a physical exam, blood tests, or ask for astool sample.
This can help rule out other possible causes for your symptoms, such as bacterial or viral infections.
This involves inserting a tube with a camera on it through the anus or mouth.
Treatment
Treatments for ileocolitis include medications, diet changes, bowel rest, and surgery.
Treatment may look different from one person to another with ileocolitis.
These work to reduce the inflammation in your GI tract.
This is because having small bowel disease and/or stricturing disease is an indicator of advanced disease.
Biologics neutralize proteins made by the immune system to help decrease inflammation in your GI tract.
Side effects of biologic therapies include a toxic reaction to the medicine and a higher chance of developing infections.
Many providers may give only biologics from the beginning rather than doing a step-up approach.
They can take several weeks to three months to start working.
Keeping a food diary can be helpful in identifying specific foods to avoid during a flare-up.
In most cases, your symptoms will decrease as your digestive tract heals with the bowel rest.
There are different types of surgery used to treat Crohns disease.
While surgery can put you in remission for many years, Crohns disease may return later in life.
Prognosis
There is no known cure for ileocolitis or Crohns disease.
Sometimes you might have flare-ups that cause more severe symptoms and greatly impact your quality of life.
However, with proper treatment, most people are able to lead productive lives.
Othercoping strategiesinclude becoming educated on your disease, problem-solving, and positive reevaluation of upsetting or stressful experiences.
Summary
Ileocolitis is the most common jot down of Crohn’s disease.
It displays chronic inflammation of the end of the small intestine and a portion of the large intestine.
Symptoms often include diarrhea, abdominal pain or cramping, and weight loss.
There is no cure for the condition, which usually comes on gradually and worsens over time.
Medications and surgery may be used to treat symptoms and complications.
This can help you make informed decisions about your care and treatment plan.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of Crohns disease.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for Crohns disease.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Eating, diet, & nutrition for Crohns disease.
Crohns & Colitis Foundation.Crohns disease treatment options.
2021 Oct;19(10):2031-2045.e11.
doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2020.10.039
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts for Crohn’s disease.
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.Emotional factors fact sheet.
