Digestive Disorders Pathophysiological Mechanisms Prior

Digestive Disorders

PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS

Prior to denoting just what specifically the pathophysiological mechanism of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Inflammatory Bowel Disease are, it is necessary to present a little background information about these two gastrointestinal disorders. There is a substantial amount of overlap between the symptoms for these conditions, which affects the pathophysiological mechanisms they engender. Additionally, Inflammatory Bowel Disease is actually an overarching term that refers to two different medical conditions: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

As such, inflammatory bowel diseases produce an inflammation in some part of the digestive tract. Symptoms include a substantial amount of pain in the abdomen area, which may be so great that it interferes with normal activities such as sitting, working, and even eating. It is worth noting that the specific area of inflammation in inflammatory bowel diseases can take place in any part of the digestive track.

This is critical information when comparing the similarities and differences with the preceding condition with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. This latter conditions strictly involve a disruption with typical functions of the colon. Additionally, Irritable Bowel Syndrome is just one disease, and does not refer to multiple conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease does. Specific pathophysiological mechanisms associated with it include diarrhea, cramps, constipation, and a bloated feeling. Both of these conditions are chronic. However, there is empirical evidence that validates the notion that Irritable bowel syndrome can precipitate inflammatory bowel disease (Porter et al., 2012). This is a key distinction between the two and alludes to the fact that often, Irritable bowel syndrome is associated with stressful situations and negative changes in one's life, whereas Inflammatory Bowel Disease is generally conceived of as a more "organic" disease that is strictly physically based (Pace et al., 2003, p. 1031).

TREATMENTS

Treatments for inflammatory bowel disease require a number of immunosuppression measures, including the usage of a wide variety of medical drugs, as well as corrective surgery. On a basic level, patients can make attempts to restructure their diet and general lifestyle choices to promote a more positive, health body in general. If this approach does not work, there are many sorts of antibiotics, painkillers, laxatives or anti-diarrhea pills that one can take to negate the effects of noxious symptoms. Corrective surgery is also an option, although it does not always work.