Inflammatory Bowel Disease Lawsuit

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What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) refers to particular chronic diseases that cause inflammation, in the form of painful swelling, generally with heat of the intestines. It should not be confused, even though it often is, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), which is less severe. The two most common forms of IBD are Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. The main difference is the location and nature of the inflammatory changes. Crohn’s Disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract while Ulcerative Colitis only affects the colon and rectum. Other forms may include Collagenous colitis, Lymphocytic colitis, Ischaemic colitis, Diversion colitis, Behçet's syndrome, Infective colitis, and Indeterminate colitis.

Signs & Symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The following is a list of signs and symptoms related to Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

• Abdominal cramps
• Blocked bowels
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Arthritis
• Eye inflammation
• Skin inflammation
• Liver inflammation
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Crohn's Disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Tests to diagnose Inflammatory Bowel Disease include an endoscopy, colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy with small bowel biopsy, small bowel x-ray series, barium enema, upper GI series, or a stool guaiac test.

Treatment is only needed for those who are experiencing symptoms. Treatment initially involves the use of medications to treat any infection and to reduce inflammation. These medications may include:

Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), Mesalamine (Asacol, Rowasa), and Corticosteroids
Immune system suppressors: Azathioprine (Imuran) and mercaptopurine (Purinethol), Infliximab (Remicade), Adalimumab (Humira), Methotrexate (Rheumatrex), and Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Antibiotics: Metronidazole (Flagyl) or Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

Other medication(s): Anti-diarrheals, Laxatives, Pain relievers, Iron supplements, Nutrition, Vitamin B-12 shots, Calcium and vitamin D supplements

Surgery may be required for complications such as obstructions, fistulas and/or abscesses, or if the disease does not respond to drugs within a reasonable time.

Do I Have an Inflammatory Bowel Disease Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting Inflammatory Bowel Disease cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know have developed Inflammatory Bowel Disease, you should contact our firm immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Dangerous Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

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