Diagnosis and Early Treatment in IBD

Welcome back to another HCP Live Cure Connections series. In this episode “Diagnosis and Early Treatment in IBD”, the panel explores the early patient journey in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including the onset of symptoms, the path to diagnosis, and the transition to specialty gastroenterology care. Expert faculty and the patient panelist discuss the common gastrointestinal symptoms that often prompt referral to a gastroenterologist, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, fecal incontinence, weight loss, and changes in appetite and quality of life.

The panel also reviews the diagnostic workup for IBD, including laboratory testing, imaging, stool studies, and endoscopic evaluation used to confirm Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. In addition, the discussion highlights the evolving treatment landscape in IBD, including conventional therapies and advanced treatment options such as anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents, IL-23 inhibitors, S1P modulators, and JAK inhibitors. Throughout the segment, the patient panelist shares personal experiences navigating symptoms and treatment decisions, while expert faculty provide clinical context around referral patterns, treatment selection, and the importance of individualized care in managing IBD.

In the next episode, “Navigating Biologic Therapy Options in IBD,” panelists will continue their discussion on inflammatory bowel disease and highlight the patient experience with biologic therapy, including treatment transitions, symptom improvement, and the impact of remission on daily life and long-term quality of life.