Gabriella is a happy young girl and student. She enjoys school and especially loves her math class. She loves animals and has several pets that she lovingly cares for. Despite her passionate and loving nature, Gabriella has been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and has to deal with the unpleasant effects of IBD every day.

Gabriella is just one of the many children who live with IBD. In fact, most people are diagnosed before the age of 30.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a disease of the small intestines and the colon. IBD can include Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. IBD causes inflammation and can cause ulcers. Every person’s IBD and their situation is different. Even more complicated, the cause of IBD is unknown. IBD may possibly be an immune system malfunction. Diet and stress are considered to be possible triggers but are not the cause of the condition.

Doctors have been consistently working towards finding a drug that can offer relief for pediatric patient with IBD.

Andrew B. Grossman, a gasteroentologist who works with children at the Philadelphia Children’s Hospital, explains how people with IBD usually have a genetic predisposition to the disease and there may be environmental factors that trigger the disease as well. Often times however, the trigger is unclear.

The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia has started using a drug called Remicade to treat some pediatric patients with IBD.

The positive effects of Remicade was a surprising revelation! This medicine had never before been used to treat Crohn’s disease. And while not every patient treated responded with improvement, it did noticeable improve some patients’ conditions.

For example, the mother of a nine-year-old says she has seen great improvement after using Remicade. She says her daughter is now able to lead a more normal life and can run and play with the other children. Her daughter has even gotten into sports and is dancing again!

For those patients who do not respond to Remicade, an alternative treatment of a special diet in a feeding tube can be used to control IBD symptoms. This can help reduce the inflammation.

Each child will need individual care and treatment for their IBD symptoms, so always make sure to speak with your doctor to find a treatment that is best for you or your child.

Read original article here.

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