Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an umbrella term that refers to prolonged inflammation in your digestive tract. It covers two digestive illnesses: ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
Inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are often confused terms because they sound similar, but they are very different from each other. IBD is inflammation and can cause destruction to your digestive tract, whereas IBS is a syndrome that creates uncomfortable and annoying symptoms but is not destructive.
Because inflammatory bowel disease can harm your digestive tract, X-rays are sometimes in order to check your digestive organs. Doctors use these imaging tests to help diagnose your condition so the proper treatment can be prescribed or recommended.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Symptoms
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis have some similar symptoms, including severe diarrhea, stomach pain, reduced appetite, weight loss, and fatigue. Diarrhea can occur because the inflamed parts of your bowel (intestine) are unable to absorb water, so the water leaves the body through the rectum. The danger of this is that it can lead to dangerous dehydration.
Stomach pain, bloating, and cramping can occur due to bowel obstruction. You may also see blood in your stool due to bleeding ulcers in the digestive tract.
If left untreated, inflammatory bowel disease can result in serious complications. Examples are colon cancer, blood clots, and inflammation in your joints and organs.
How X-rays Detect IBD Issues
The most frequently used type of diagnostic imaging test for inflammatory bowel disease is the X-ray. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms described above, your doctor may want to order an X-ray to check for signs of inflammatory bowel disease – or to check for any new lesions or growths in the digestive tract. This way, the physician can diagnose and treat your condition properly.
The X-ray will scan your abdominal area to see if there is any obstruction or blockage in your digestive tract. An X-ray may also be used to check for a perforated bowel or toxic megacolon.
Among the various types of diagnostic scanning tests, the X-ray takes the least amount of time and is usually the least expensive. A digital X-ray session can take less than 15 minutes, from conducting the scan to receiving the result.
CT Scan and X-ray
The CT scan is used to diagnose health conditions such as heart disease, vascular disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. A CT scan actually combines several X-ray images taken from different angles, so your doctor can have a more detailed, 3-D image of your digestive system.
The CT scan is also a quick option, although not as quick as a regular X-ray. A typical CT scan can take up to 30 minutes, and it is entirely noninvasive.
Diagnostic Imaging for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
There is no need to wait for your digestive symptoms to become unbearable. If you are experiencing the signs of inflammatory bowel disease, it is best to consult with a doctor and undergo the necessary tests for proper diagnosis.
Here at Independent Imaging, we deliver accurate and comprehensive imaging results using state-of-the-art technology. We have several offices conveniently located across Palm Beach County.
If you have any questions, contact us today by calling us at (561) 795-5558 or request an appointment via our online form. We look forward to serving you.