Inflammatory bowel disease or IBD refers to certain chronic diseases that cause inflammation of the intestines and the term is mainly used to describe two conditions, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC). Ulcerative colitis only affects the colon (large intestine), while Crohn’s disease can affect all of the digestive system, from the mouth to the anus.
These conditions are thought to be caused by an imbalance between a person’s immune system and the natural bacteria which live in the gastrointestinal tract or gut. Although they are different diseases with a variety of forms, each causes the digestive system to be destroyed and produces symptoms that can affect people emotionally as well as physically.
Common symptoms are recurring or bloody diarrhoea, the need to rush to the toilet quickly, tummy pains and tiredness or fatigue. The symptoms of IBD can come and go. People may experience periods of severe symptoms (flare-ups), and go through long periods when they have few or no symptoms at all (remission).
Many of the treatments for Crohn’s disease are the same as ulcerative colitis and target the exaggerated immune response with the goal to heal the lining of the intestine and reduce the symptoms of pain, fatigue and diarrhoea.
Dr Papageorgiou has had an invaluable experience in providing comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for patients with IBD in his working years in Israel and, by working closely with a team of other specialists such as surgeons and dieticians, he is dedicated to get patients suffering with IBD back into remission.