Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Intestinal Problems Center - Des Moines, IA
Des Moines Gastroenterologist Doctors for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Intestinal ProblemsType of Physician: Gastroenterologist What is a Gastroenterologist? A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners focus on the stomach, intestines, colon, liver, and gallbladder (digestive organs). The gastroenterologist treats conditions such as abdominal pain, ulcers, diarrhea, cancer, and jaundice and they consult with surgeons when abdominal operations are indicated. Specialty: Gastroenterology Common Name: GI Doctor Gastroenterologist Doctors in Des Moines * Central Iowa Gastroenterology  Jeffrey D Stahl MD  Allen R Kaufman MD  Digestive & Liver Disease Consultants  Digestive & Liver Disease Consultants  Digestive & Liver Disease Consultants  Digestive & Liver Disease Consultants  Digestive & Liver Disease Consultants  Iowa Digestive Disease Center  Iowa Digestive Disease Center  Iowa Digestive Disease Center  Iowa Digestive Disease Center  Iowa Digestive Disease Center  Iowa Digestive Disease Center  Iowa Digestive Disease Center  Iowa Digestive Disease Center  The Iowa Clinic Gastroenterology  The Iowa Clinic Gastroenterology  The Iowa Clinic Gastroenterology  The Iowa Clinic Gastroenterology  The Iowa Clinic Gastroenterology  The Iowa Clinic Gastroenterology  The Iowa Clinic Gastroenterology  The Iowa Clinic Gastroenterology  McFarland Clinic Gastroenterology  McFarland Clinic Gastroenterology  McFarland Clinic Gastroenterology  McFarland Clinic Gastroenterology  McFarland Clinic Gastroenterology  Drs Adams & Lee Des Moines, IowaUpcoming Local Events2012-06-10
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Intestinal Problems of IBD)Read the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Intestinal Problems of IBD) article » What is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) are known as the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The precise cause of IBD remains unknown. These diseases are believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and non-genetic, or environmental factors (for example, infections) that interact with the body's immune (defense) system. When the intestinal immune system does not function properly, many white blood cells accumulate in the inner lining (mucosa) of the gut. The white cells then release chemicals that lead to tissue injury (inflammation). This inflammation of the mucosa can cause diarrhea, which is the most common symptom of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, with or without the intestinal complications.
What are the intestinal complications of IBD?
The intestinal complications of IBD occur when the intestinal inflammation is severe, extends beyond the inner lining (mucosa) of the intestines, is widespread, and/or is of long duration (chronic). For example, severe mucosal inflammation can cause ulcers, bleeding, and toxic megacolon (a condition in which the colon widens, or dilates, and loses its ability to properly contract). Inflammation that extends beyond the inner lining and through the intestinal wall is responsible for strictures (scarring that causes narrowing of the intestinal wall) and fistulas (tubular passageways originating from the bowel wall and connecting to other organs or the skin). Strictures, in turn, can lead to bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine (SIBO). If the inflammation of the small bowel is widespread, malabsorption of nutrients can be a complication. Chronic inflammation can also be associated with colon cancer. The majority of IBD patients experience periods during which their disease intensifies (flares) or subsides (remissions). Although most patients require medication for IBD, they are ... Read the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Intestinal Problems of IBD) article » Recommended Reading Related to Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Intestinal Problems of IBD)What is colitis?Colitis is inflammation of the inner lining of the colon and is associated with diarrhea, pain, and blood in the stool. There are numerous reasons for the colon to become inflamed including:
Anatomy of the colon The colon is a hollow, muscular tube that receives products of digestion from the small intestine and ultimately eliminates them from the body through the anus. The colon is located in the abdomen and has numerous sections that are named based on their location. Colitis can affect different sections of the colon.
Other Related Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Intestinal Problems ArticlesEmergency Contact for Des Moines
Nearby Des Moines Hospitals *Mercy Medical Center Des Moines Iowa Lutheran Hospital Blank Children's Hospital Iowa Methodist Medical Center Broadlawns Medical Center VA Central Iowa Health Care Des Moines Mercy Franklin Center Madison County Healthcare System Dallas County Hospital Skiff Medical Center Story County Medical Center Mary Greeley Medical Center VA Central Iowa Health Care Knoxville Knoxville Hospital & Clinics Boone County Hospital Featured Articles*Provider Directory Terms of Use: The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval. |
Suggested Reading on Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Intestinal Problems of IBD) by Our Doctors
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Colitis
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