All Austrian Health Insurance Funds & Private

Group-Practice Internist-Nord.at
Syeda | Gregor | Kowatschitsch | Al Bahloul
Sopira | Pakzad | Promintzer-Schifferl | Wehinger

Specialists for Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Diabetology and Hepatology

CED Outpatient Clinic in Vienna at our Group-Practice (Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Diseases)

What are Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Diseases?

Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are a group of disorders characterized by persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two most common forms are:

  • Crohn’s disease – inflammation that can affect the entire digestive tract from the mouth to the anus, but most often involves the small intestine and/or colon.

  • Ulcerative colitis – inflammation limited to the colon (large intestine), which can lead to ulcers in the mucosal lining.

These conditions usually occur in flare-ups and can cause severe symptoms that significantly affect quality of life.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact causes of IBD are not fully understood, but several factors may play a role.

Genetic predisposition – people with a family history are at higher risk.

Immune system dysregulation – the body mistakenly attacks its own intestinal tissue.

Environmental factors – diet, smoking (especially in Crohn’s disease), certain medications, and gut bacteria can influence risk.

Stress and psychological strain – these can trigger or worsen flare-ups, although they are not the direct cause of the disease.

Symptoms of IBD

Symptoms vary depending on the type of disease but often occur in flare-ups. The most common include:

  • Abdominal pain and cramping

  • Chronic diarrhea, often with blood or mucus (especially in ulcerative colitis)

  • Weight loss and loss of appetite

  • Fatigue and exhaustion

  • Fever and general malaise

  • Joint pain, skin changes, or eye inflammation (extraintestinal manifestations)

If these symptoms persist for a longer period, specialist evaluation is strongly recommended.

Diagnosis of IBD

Diagnosing IBD requires thorough examination to rule out other causes. Key diagnostic methods include:

  • Blood tests – inflammatory markers (CRP), iron levels, and vitamin levels can indicate IBD.

  • Stool tests – calprotectin levels indicate whether inflammation is present in the intestine.

  • Colonoscopy (with biopsy) – the most important test for direct assessment of the intestinal lining and tissue sampling.

  • Bowel ultrasound (sonography) – assesses thickening and signs of inflammation in the small or large intestine and detects possible complications.

  • Imaging studies – MRI or CT scans help detect inflammation in the small intestine or other complications.

Treatment Options

While IBD cannot be cured, it can be well managed with modern therapies. The goals are to reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms, and prevent flare-ups.

1. Medication

  • Anti-inflammatory drugs (5-ASA, corticosteroids) – for rapid symptom control during acute flare-ups.

  • Immunomodulators (azathioprine, methotrexate) – for long-term inflammation control.

  • Biologics (TNF blockers, interleukin inhibitors) – highly effective for severe cases.

  • JAK inhibitors and newer therapies – targeted medications that suppress specific inflammatory processes.

2. Nutrition and Lifestyle

  • Nutritional counseling – individually tailored diets can help relieve symptoms.

  • Smoking cessation – smoking significantly worsens the course of Crohn’s disease.

  • Stress management – relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation can be beneficial.

3. Surgery

In severe cases where medication is insufficient, surgery may be necessary, such as:

  • Removal of diseased sections of the intestine

  • Creation of an artificial bowel outlet (stoma) in rare cases

Living with IBD – Everyday Tips

Living with IBD requires adjustments, but with targeted therapy, good quality of life is possible. Our recommendations:

  • Regular check-ups – early detection of flare-ups helps prevent complications.

  • Keep a diary – recording diet and symptoms helps identify triggers.

  • Seek support – self-help groups or online forums can provide valuable coping strategies.

Private Services for IBD Care

We kindly ask for your understanding that bowel ultrasound examinations and dietary counseling sessions are private services and must be billed directly. Please note that in a public insurance practice, these costs cannot be reimbursed by health insurance providers.

Price List

Other services such as colonoscopy, medical consultations, or abdominal ultrasound can be billed via your e-card, as they are covered by health insurance.

Appointments

Internist Nord – Your Gastroenterology Group-Practice in Vienna