Diagnosis of IBD: These methods are available.

The diagnosis of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is often not easy, as symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain or cramps can also indicate other diseases and can occur in both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. In order to detect IBD as early as possible, a combination of various examinations and tests are carried out. These include blood tests, stool examinations, gastroscopies, colonoscopies and ultrasound examinations.

Table of contents
  1. Der Weg zur Diagnose einer CED
  2. What diagnostic methods are available?
  3. Why does the diagnosis often take so long?
  4. Conclusion
Das Bild zeigt eine Person, die einen Arztkittel trägt. Sie hat außerdem blaue Gummihandschuhe an. IN der rechten Hand hält sie eine Blutampulle. Auf der rechten seite sieht man außerdem weitere Blutampullen. Das Bild, welches in einem Artikel über die Diagnose einer cED genutzt wird, ist symbolisch zu betrachten. Viele Betroffene warten sehr lange auf eine passende Diagnose für Morbus Crohn oder Colitis ulcerosa. Der ARtikel beschäftigt sich mit verschiedenen Diagnosemethoden für CED und erklärt warum es manchmal länger dauert bis die Diagnose einer CED feststeht.

The path to diagnosis einer CED

Viele Betroffene von Crohn's disease or Ulcerative colitis berichten, dass es Monate oder sogar Jahre gedauert hat, bis sie die Correct diagnosis erhalten haben. Traurig aber wahr: Bis zur Diagnose einer chronisch-entzündlichen Darmerkrankung vergehen in der Regel ungefähr 1-5 years. The reason for this is that the symptoms are often Irritable bowel syndrome or Stress appointments with a specialist with a month-long waiting list. Waiting time and a Inadequate diagnosticssuch as the omission of stool samples or colonoscopies, is not uncommon.

But how does a diagnosis of IBD work? If a patient notices signs of IBD, their family doctor should be consulted immediately and the symptoms discussed. If the suspicion of IBD then hardens, for example through the detection of Inflammatory markers in the bloodthe patient is referred to a gastroenterologist for a diagnosis. In the course of this, it is advisable to obtain information about the various gastroenterologists in the vicinity and, if necessary, to make an appointment for a good specialist. Further directions to accept.

What diagnostic methods are available?

The visit to the gastroenterology department then usually begins with a detailed treatment consultation, the so-called Medical history. During this consultation, it is important to discuss both the medical history and any complaints communicate openly and as precisely as possible. Since there is no parameter that clearly proves or excludes the diagnosis of IBD, a Combination from various examinations and tests.

Verschiedene Schritte zur Diagnose einer CED

In a first step, a Physical examination performed. If the affected person feels the following when palpating the abdomen Painthis is an indication of a Inflammation of the small intestine and thus a further indication of a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.

Secondly Blood tests used for diagnostics. The reason for this is that the blood count can be used to detect deficiency symptoms and assess the level of inflammatory activity. Inflammation markers are, for example, an increased number of white blood cellsan increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate and an increased C-reactive protein. It is important to know that these values indicate inflammation in general. These can therefore be triggered not only by Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, but also by other diseases. In addition, blood tests can determine the Hemoglobin value be determined. A low haemoglobin value indicates a Anemiawhich IBD patients often suffer from due to the inflammatory reaction in the body and the associated blood loss. This is therefore another indicator of IBD.

Apart from this Laboratory tests of the stool carried out in order to bacterial infectionswhich can also trigger typical IBD symptoms such as abdominal pain or diarrhea. In addition, the fecal calprotectin value is documented, as this also provides an indication of the Inflammatory activity in the intestine can provide. However, it should be noted at this point that the calprotectin value is sometimes not very meaningful and should therefore be interpreted with caution.

As a fourth step in the diagnostics process Gastroscopy (gastroscopy) and Colonoscopies (colonoscopy) are used. These are among the most reliable diagnostic methods, as changes in the stomach or intestinal mucosa, inflammation, ulcers and other abnormalities can be reliably detected in this way. In addition Tissue samples taken (biopsy) and later examined in detail in the laboratory.

Apart from this, procedures such as Ultrasound examinations (sonography), Computed tomography (CT) and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) used to detect intestinal wall thickening, constrictions, abscesses or fistulas.

Why does the diagnosis often take so long?

Despite the numerous examination procedures, it is still possible that no IBD is diagnosed for months or years. The reason for this is that other triggers such as the Irritable bowel syndrome or Food intolerances can be held responsible for the symptoms. It is also possible that Blood and stool tests are inconspicuous because the inflammatory activity, for example during a longer remission phase, is too low. Also Colonoscopies and Tissue samples can sometimes be inconspicuous and thus provide no clear indication of a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. If there is any doubt about the endoscopic diagnosis, it is advisable to repeat the endoscopy with the associated biopsy after three to six months. to be carried out again or get a second opinion to obtain. It is important in any case, persistent and not to lose heart during the sometimes lengthy diagnosis process.

Conclusion

Should you have first Signs of IBD observe with you, it is crucial to start as early as possible Medical advice to take advantage of this. The reason for this is that Early diagnosis and treatment can have a positive influence on the course of the disease and thus significantly improve your quality of life.

Sources

A proven therapy for chronic inflammatory bowel disease is the so-called Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN). Read our article on this: Microbiome as the key? - New therapy for Crohn's disease

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