Inflammatory Bowel Disease
A general term for two disorders, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, that cause the intestines to become swollen and inflamed. Often referred to as IBD.
Overview
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of inflammatory conditions of the colon and small intestine.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term primarily used to describe two conditions: ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. These diseases cause chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the part of the digestive system that includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus. IBD can be debilitating and sometimes leads to life-threatening complications.
Components of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes long-lasting inflammation and ulcers (sores) in the innermost lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum.
- Crohn's Disease
- Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease. It causes inflammation of your digestive tract, which can lead to abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition. The inflammation caused by Crohn's disease often spreads deep into the layers of affected bowel tissue.
Functions of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease primarily affects the functions of the digestive system, including:
- Nutrient Absorption: The inflammation in the GI tract can interfere with the body's ability to digest food and absorb nutrients, leading to malnutrition.
- Waste Elimination: IBD can cause diarrhea, constipation, and other disruptions to the normal process of waste elimination.
- Immune System Response: IBD is thought to result from an abnormal immune response to the microbes in the gut, leading to chronic inflammation.
Diseases and Disorders of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Common diseases or disorders related to inflammatory bowel disease include:
- Colon Cancer: Chronic inflammation in the colon or rectum can increase the risk of colon cancer.
- Osteoporosis: The malnutrition associated with IBD can lead to osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and makes them more prone to fractures.
- Anemia: Chronic intestinal bleeding from ulcers can lead to anemia, a condition characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between IBD and IBS?
- IBD is a disease that causes chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is a disorder that affects the muscle contractions of the bowel and does not cause inflammation or damage the bowel.
- What are the symptoms of IBD?
- Symptoms may include diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss, and blood in the stool. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may come and go over time.
- What causes IBD?
- The exact cause of IBD is unknown, but it is thought to result from an abnormal immune response to the microbes in the gut.
1 Mayo Clinic. (2020). Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/inflammatory-bowel-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20353315 ↩