Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to a group of chronic disorders characterized by ongoing inflammation of the intestinal tract. The inflammation is persistent and often relapsing, meaning symptoms tend to come and go over time. Prolonged inflammation can lead to ulceration, and in some cases, the formation of scar tissue.
The two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Although the exact cause of IBD is not fully understood, it is thought to involve inappropriate immune system activity directed against the intestinal lining.
Common symptoms include abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, and sometimes bloody stools. Additional symptoms may include fatigue, loss of appetite, anemia, dehydration, and fever. The severity of symptoms varies widely from person to person. Some individuals experience relatively mild disease, while others develop severe or debilitating symptoms.
In more serious cases, IBD can lead to complications such as significant rectal bleeding, anemia, impaired bowel function, intestinal obstruction, fistulas, peritonitis, malnutrition, and growth problems in children. Long-standing inflammatory bowel disease is also associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
It is estimated that approximately 600,000 people in the United States are affected by either Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
