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Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease

What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)? 

Inflammatory Bowel Disease is an umbrella term to describe autoimmune inflammatory conditions of the intestinal tract.

The two main types of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Adolescence and young adulthood is the most common time of diagnosis, but young children may be diagnosed as well. Symptoms related to active IBD can affect a child's daily life.

Currently, IBD is a lifelong disease, but therapy can help place the disease in remission.

What are common symptoms?

  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Blood in stool
  • Anemia
  • Fever
  • Weight loss
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Joint pain

How is it diagnosed?

  • Evaluation by a pediatric GI specialist
  • Blood tests
  • Endoscopy
  • Radiology tests such as MRI enterography, UGI small bowel series, CT scan
  • Stool sample studies

How is IBD treated by Golisano Pediatric Gastroenterology?

The goal of IBD therapy is to stop autoimmune inflammation, reverse the intestinal injury, and improve quality of life. Every child’s case of IBD is different. There are several treatment options including medications, nutritional therapy and surgery, if needed. 

Our specialists dedicate themselves to finding the best treatment options and working with you to ensure that your child grows up to live a normal, active life despite this disease.

Our specialists also work with our colleagues at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida including nutritional specialists, psychologists, radiologists, infusion specialists and surgeons in the diagnosing and treatment process.