What is IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)?
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a group of chronic inflammatory conditions that affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The two main types of IBD are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
1. Crohn's Disease: This condition can affect any part of the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus, although it most commonly affects the end of the small intestine (ileum) and the beginning of the large intestine (colon). In Crohn's disease, inflammation can occur in patches throughout the GI tract, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, and malnutrition. It can also cause complications such as strictures (narrowing of the intestines), fistulas (abnormal connections between different parts of the GI tract or between the GI tract and other organs), and abscesses.
2. Ulcerative Colitis: This condition specifically affects the colon and rectum. It causes inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the colon and rectum, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea (often bloody), rectal bleeding, urgency to have bowel movements, and weight loss. Unlike Crohn's disease, which can affect any part of the GI tract, ulcerative colitis is limited to the colon and rectum.
Both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic conditions with periods of flare-ups (when symptoms are active) and remission (when symptoms are reduced or absent). The exact cause of IBD is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and immunological factors. Treatment for IBD aims to reduce inflammation, control symptoms, and improve quality of life. This may include medications, lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, and in some cases, surgery.