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Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center of Atlanta
Learn more about inflammatory bowel disease.
Table of Contents
- About Our Center
- Why the IBD Center
- Diseases We Treat
- Our Experienced Team
- Services Provided
- Clinical Trials & Investigations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Links
About Our Center
The Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center of Atlanta is the first of its kind to be developed in the Southeast. It has been created with the particular needs of you, the patient, in mind. The IBD Center offers comprehensive and innovative endoscopic, surgical and medical treatment for digestive disorders. Patients benefit from unique collaboration among renowned gastroenterologists, surgeons, nutritionists, counselors, pathologists, nurses and other GI specialists.
- The goal of the multidisciplinary team is to provide treatment that is adapted to your specific personal requirements. It’s members aim to improve both your state of health and your quality of life, addressing psychological problems, counseling on fertility and guidance on nutrition. We strive to foster a sense of confidence in your care. Each patient is assigned a Clinical Coordinator (a qualified nurse) to ensure the ongoing communication flow of bi—directional information between the patient and all specialists.
- The interdisciplinary approach provides easy access to the medical specialist team and the concentration of information relative to each case. This model ensures that a staff of dedicated specialists and professionals promptly addresses both your illness and associated nutritional, psychological and other problems arising from IBD.
- Ongoing international clinical and scientific research projects, some of which The IBD Center initiates.
Why the IBD Center
Dr. Bruce Salzberg, the director of The IBD Center of Atlanta, has cared for IBD patients for over a quarter of century. He participates in pivotal research studies, many of which have resulted in the approval of medications currently utilized in the treatment of IBD patients. He lectures internationally and is sought after by the health industry in public media for his expert opinions. He has co authored numerous articles published in the peer reviewed literature. The IBD Center is his vision … a holistic approach to caring for the complete patient rather than just the body.
The IBD Center of Atlanta is the first comprehensive care center of its kind in the southeast U.S. Created with the particular needs of you, the IBD patient and your family, in mind, The IBD Center's team is designed to take care of the specific medical, emotional and social problems of each individual patient by comprising specialists in all the relevant fields. The most effective way to treat patients suffering from IBD is through a multidisciplinary approach that addresses not only the physical aspects of the disease, but also the patient's psychological and social needs.
- Multidisciplinary teams of specialists provide treatment adapted to your specific and personal requirements.
- The specialists and team members aim to improve both your state of health and your quality of life, addressing psychological problems, counseling on fertility and guidance on nutrition.
- The IBD Center offers you the most advanced forms of treatment available thanks to the collaboration of its specialists on international clinical and scientific research projects.
Diseases We Treat
Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are the two most common forms of inflammatory bowel disease. In both cases, the lining of the digestive tract is inflamed and causes bouts of diarrhea and abdominal pain. Crohn's disease can occur anywhere in the digestive tract, often spreading through the layers of affected tissue. Ulcerative colitis, however, usually affects only the innermost lining (mucosa) of the large intestine (colon) and rectum.
Our Experienced Team
The medical team includes gastroenterologists, surgeons, gynecologists, as well as a para-medical team trained to deal with other aspects of IBD. All members of the team are experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Regular staff meetings are held to discuss the methods of diagnosis and therapy best suited to the specific needs of each patient.
The Center's Clinical Coordinator, a qualified nurse, acts as the liaison between you, the patient, and the other members of the multidisciplinary team. Whenever a new problem arises, you can contact directly either your own gastroenterologist or the Clinical Coordinator. Easy access to the medical team and the concentration of information relative to your individual case combined with the Center's interdisciplinary approach, ensure that both your illness and the psychological and other problems arising from it are taken care of by a staff of dedicated professionals.
Services Provided
The Center comprises all the most advanced facilities for the diagnosis and treatment of IDB, including both in- and out-patient care.
- Regular Out-patient Care
The Center provides consultation, diagnosis and treatment as part of the regular medical follow-up, or whenever new problems arise. The patient's gastroenterologist coordinates the medical follow-up and treatment. Members of the interdisciplinary team are available for counseling and/or planning of additional therapy. Prevention is an important element in the patient's care, comprising such aspects as osteoporosis, nutrition, physical education, stress relief, psychological support and so on.
- Emergency calls
When a new problem arises which must be dealt with before the scheduled appointment at the out-patient clinic, the patient can call directly his/her physician or the Clinical Coordinator. He/she will then be advised by telephone and/or will be given an urgent appointment.
- Day Care
Short-day hospitalization enables the medical team efficiently to carry out diagnostic tests and to give the patient specific medical advice. Consultants and medical services are brought to the patient rather than the other way round, saving the patient much time and trouble.
- Admission to hospital
When the patient's condition requires hospitalization, it is advisable to inform the Clinical Coordinator. During hospitalization the Center's team maintain regular contact with the hospital staff regarding methods of diagnosis and treatment.
Psychological Services
When the medical evaluation of a patient visiting the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center suggests that psychological evaluation would be beneficial, Psychological treatments include pain management, stress management, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), relaxation training Nutrition To assist patients whose IBD has caused malnourishment, as well as those who simply wish advice on their eating habits, our registered dietician can provide important guidance on diet and nutritional aids.
Patient Education
Our nurse practitioner provides valuable patient education on ways of managing IBD in daily life, and also coordinates care for patients seeing multiple specialists within the medical center.
Clinical Trials and Investigations
The IBD Center performs clinical trials (research studies) to find new and more effective treatments for the various forms of intestinal disease. Most medications and medical techniques that are currently used have been tested in extensive clinical trials before becoming available to the public. Patients with IBD may have an opportunity to participate in a various clinical trials that are being conducted at the IBD Center. The ability to participate in such trials depends on the eligibility requirements for the study, the patient's condition and what stage the trial is at.If you are interested in participating in one or more studies, You may call or email the study coordinator for the specific study or studies you are interested in. It may be possible for you to enroll in more than one study at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is inflammatory bowel disease?
- What is the difference between IBD and IBS?
- What is the difference between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis?
- Does what I eat matter?
- Is IBD a genetically inherited disease?
What is inflammatory bowel disease?
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an umbrella term referring to certain chronic diseases that cause inflammation of the intestines. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are the two terms most often assigned to the different types of IBD. Although they are different diseases with a variety of forms, each disease causes the destruction of the digestive system, producing a similar group of life-altering symptoms.
What is the difference between IBD and IBS?
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is easily confused with another condition known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). As much as 25% of the population in the United States report symptoms of IBS, and up to 50% of patients seen by gastroenterologists have symptoms of IBS.
IBD and IBS have similar symptoms, particularly cramping and diarrhea, but the underlying disease process is quite different. IBD is inflammation or destruction of the bowel wall, which can lead to deep ulcerations (sores) and narrowing of the intestines. IBS is a disorder of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract for which no apparent cause can be found. A patient can possibly have both IBD and IBS.
What is the difference between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis?
Crohn's disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus. The inflammation of Crohn's disease can be patchy and noncontinuous and can deeply penetrate into the bowel wall. Even if the affected part of a Crohn's disease bowel is removed, the disease may recur.
Ulcerative colitis differs in that it affects only the colon. The inflammation does not go past the inner layer of the bowel wall. Ulcerative colitis can be limited to the rectum or can extend further up the large bowel. In some cases, it can affect the entire colon. The inflammation of ulcerative colitis is continuous, not patchy. Ulcerative colitis can be completely cured by surgical removal of the colon and rectum.
Does what I eat matter?
While little evidence exists that any particular food has a role in causing IBD, good nutrition is very important. A well-balanced diet helps make sure that patients get all the nutrients they need. Sometimes IBD reduces the body's ability to absorb necessary nutrients. In certain circumstances, IBD may be improved with diet restrictions, which should be discussed with a physician or a dietitian.
Is IBD a genetically inherited disease?
Approximately 25% of IBD patients have a direct relative who also has the disease, leading scientists to believe that it may be hereditary. A responsible gene, however, has not yet been identified. IBD affects men and women equally and can occur at any age, from young children to the elderly. Regionally, the diseases are most often found in the United States, Canada and Europe, although the number of cases is rising in the industrialized parts of Asia. Jewish Americans are four to five times more likely to develop IBD than the population as a whole.
Links
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Description |
| American College of Gastroenterology | The ACG is a professional organization dedicated to gastrointestinal illness. Includes information for both patients and physicians. |
| American Gastroenterology Association | The AGA is comprised of 2 non-profit organizations to advance understanding of gastrointestinal illnesses, including IBD. Site includes information on research, clinical practice, training, advocacy, and careers. Also includes a patient education center. |
| American Society for Nutrition | The ASN is a research society dedicated to improving patient quality of life through the science of nutrition. |
| American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition | ASPEN is a professional organization devoted to improving patient care for those using parenteral and enteral nutrition. |
| Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America | The CCFA is a non-profit organization dedicated to IBD patients. Site includes information on IBD, research, resources for patients, kids, teens, and professionals. Also includes local chapter information and events. |
| The Oley Foundation | The Oley Foundation provides information and support for people living on home IV and tube feeding. Site includes information on IV/tube feeding, research, equipment exchange, meetings, and events. |
| WebMD Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center | Disease information, treatment, and other up to date news from WebMD about IBD. |