Most cases of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, are diagnosed before age 35. IBD is one of the most significant chronic conditions that affect children and teens. The pediatric gastroenterologists with Norton Children’s Gastroenterology, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine, have the experience to treat children and teens with IBD.
The immune system helps the body fight infection. In inflammatory diseases such as IBD, the body’s own antibodies and immune cells mistakenly target and attack healthy cells. This causes inflammation in parts of the body. With IBD, the inflammation occurs in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
IBD is a chronic condition. A child with IBD will experience periods of symptoms (flares) and periods of no symptoms (remission). Symptoms are different in each child depending on what type of IBD they have.
Treatment for IBD depends on a child’s diagnosis and severity. The goals for treating IBD are to limit and prevent flares and heal the intestine to promote remission. The board-certified pediatric gastroenterologists with Norton Children’s Gastroenterology will work with you and your child to develop a unique care plan.