Anemia, or low red blood count, frequently occurs from blood loss due to the ulcerations in the lining of the intestine. Occasionally, blood loss may be so severe as to require blood transfusions. Blood proteins may be depleted due to loss of blood serum into the bowel and also reflecting a general state of malnutrition secondary to the debilitating effects of the disease. Arthritis, skin problems, liver disease, kidney stones, and eye inflammation are among the other manifestations of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Diagnosis of IBD Malfunction of the intestinal tract may occur from a wide variety of causes and the symptoms may be very similar - diarrhea, cramps and weight loss.
Many illnesses are short lasting but some require surgery.
The accurate diagnosis of IBD is essential, as other diseases must be excluded. A careful evaluation of the history of the illness is the first step to a correct diagnosis. How the disease began and subsequent problems are fitted into a meaningful record. The nature of the diarrhea, type of abdominal pain, characteristics and quantity of rectal bleeding, are useful in arriving at a proper initial diagnosis. In ulcerative colitis, the most useful diagnostic tool is the sigmoidoscope, a short rigid or flexible instrument that allows the inside of the lower bowel to be visualized and biopsies to be taken.