Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

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What is IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a general term to describe inflammation in your digestive tract. IBD can be categorized into two similar but distinct diseases:

  • Crohn’s disease: Crohn's Disease is a part of a group of conditions called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes uncomfortable inflammation of your digestive tract, namely your colon. Crohn's Disease is different from the other form of IBD known as ulcerative colitis.

Crohn's Disease is typically found at the end of the small intestine, the beginning of the colon, and may affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus. However, ulcerative colitis is limited to the colon.


Also, Crohn's Disease can affect the entirety of the bowel wall, while ulcerative colitis only involves the colon's inner lining.

Ulcerative Colitis (UC) manifests itself through colon inflammation but is typically accompanied by ulcers. As mentioned above Ulcerative Colitis exclusively affects the colon and affects the colon's lining.

What causes IBD?

The cause of inflammatory bowel disease is typically characterized as an immune system malfunction. The body activates the immune system to fight a virus or bacteria. However, an abnormal immune response can attack the cells in the digestive system. As a result, parts of the small intestine and colon become inflamed. IBD can also be passed down from parent to child.

Risk Factors of IBD include:

  • Age – most people diagnosed with IBD are below the age of 35
  • Race or ethnicity – IBD is most common in Caucasians, and people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent
  • Family history – IBD is linked to being passed down genetically
  • Geography – living in an industrialized country and/or northern climates
  • Smoking
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) – such as ibuprofen

What are the symptoms of IBD?

Symptoms of IBD will vary depending on the Disease and the severity. The common symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease can include:


You should contact your nearest GI Alliance gastroenterologist if you experience any persistent change in bowel habits or have any combination of the above symptoms that worry you.


How is IBD diagnosed?

IBD can be diagnosed through different techniques, decided upon by your doctor depending on your symptoms.

A colonoscopy or endoscopy is commonly used to detect IBD. Sometimes, other imaging procedures will be done, such as X-ray, CT, or MRI.

What are the treatments for IBD?

The primary goal of IBD treatment is to reduce the inflammation in your digestive tract to eliminate or reduce symptoms. Treatment could eventually lead to long-term remission of IBD. Treatments for IBD include:

  • Antibiotics
  • Anti-diarrheal medications
  • Iron supplements
  • Calcium and vitamin D supplements
  • Immune system suppressors
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Surgery
  • Enteral nutrition (liquid supplements)
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Is inflammatory bowel disease genetic?

For some people, genetic factors can play a role in the development of inflammatory bowel disease. However, a patient may be genetically prone to having IBD but not ever get the disease. The genetic risk for disease development is greater with Crohn’s disease than with ulcerative colitis.

Does inflammatory bowel disease raise the risk of developing cancer?

An IBD diagnosis does not mean that a patient will get cancer. However, the disorder could increase the likelihood of colon or rectal cancer. Managing the disease appropriately and controlling inflammation could help lessen the cancer risk. Speak with your GI Alliance gastrointestinal specialist for further information on the chances of developing cancer with inflammatory bowel disease.

Can diet impact inflammatory bowel disease?

Making certain changes to one's diet could help minimize some IBD symptoms. This might involve avoiding foods that elicit abdominal discomfort, bloating, gas, and diarrhea, among other troublesome symptoms. Our GI team can help you identify a dietary plan ideal for your health.

Can inflammatory bowel disease be cured?

Presently, there is no known cure for inflammatory bowel disease. However, there could be instances when the condition is inactive and in remission. Inflammatory bowel disease and its effects may be addressed and managed through medications, changes to the diet, and dietary supplements.

Is IBD Fatal?

Inflammatory bowel disease is not a fatal disease. However, if left unmanaged and untreated, a person with IBD can develop complications that can be fatal over time. Additionally, leaving IBD untreated can lead to an increased risk of colon cancer. GI Alliance has several clinical trials to help manage the symptoms and improve the lives of those living with IBD.

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