Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a term that describes conditions characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two most common types of IBD are Crohn's disease and Ulcerative colitis.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Inflammatory Bowel Disease involves an abnormal response by the body's immune system. In IBD, the immune system mistakes food, bacteria, and other materials in the intestine for foreign substances. When this happens, the body sends white blood cells into the lining of the intestines, where they produce chronic inflammation.

Types of IBD[edit | edit source]

There are two main types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease:

Crohn's disease: This type of IBD is characterized by inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract, which can lead to abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss and malnutrition.

Ulcerative colitis: Ulcerative colitis is characterized by inflammation and sores, called ulcers, in the lining of the large intestine, or colon, and rectum.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The symptoms of IBD can vary, but may include:

Diarrhea
Fever and fatigue
Abdominal pain and cramping
Blood in your stool
Reduced appetite
Unintended weight loss

Causes[edit | edit source]

The exact cause of IBD is unknown, but it's believed to result from a combination of factors including genetics, the environment, and an overactive immune system.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for IBD usually involves drug therapy or, in certain cases, surgery. The goal of treatment is to reduce the inflammation that triggers your signs and symptoms, and to improve long-term prognosis by limiting complications.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Resources
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