Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the term used for a group of diseases and disorders that affect the intestinal tract. IBD causes the intestines to become inflamed and irritated. IBD is a lifelong illness that can be difficult to control.
IBD affects about 600,000 Americans every year. The two most common forms of of IBD are Crohn's disease , irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) , and ulcerative colitis .
There is no pharmacologic cure for IBD, but treatments can help control symptoms. While patients may temporarily recover and not experience any symptoms, recurring flare-ups are common.