Definition

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.

Crohn's Disease

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Causes

The exact causes of IBD are unknown, but some hypotheses include:

• Heredity—having another family member with IBD
• Contracting a germ or infection that affects the intestinal tract
• Compromised immune system or infection that affects the immune system

IBD is not a contagious infection, so it cannot be passed from person to person.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

The following factors increase your chance of developing IBD:

• Having a family member with IBD
• Being Caucasian or of northern European ancestry
• Jewish ancestry increases the risk of certain types of IBD
• Problems with the immune system

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the type of IBD, but common symptoms may include:

• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Diarrhea]]>
• Weight loss and loss of appetite
• Bleeding from the intestines
• Ulcers in the intestines
• Inflammation of the rectum
• Draining around the rectum
• Bloating or feeling of fullness
• Gas
• Bloody diarrhea
• Abdominal sounds (gurgling, etc.)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Joint pain

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include the following:

• Upper GI endoscopy]]> —a thin, lighted tube inserted down the throat to examine the upper part of the intestines
• ]]>Colonoscopy]]> —a thin, lighted tube inserted through the rectum and into the colon to examine the lining of the colon
• ]]>Barium enema]]> —injection of fluid into the rectum that makes your colon show up on an x-ray so the doctor can see abnormal spots in your colon
• ]]>X-ray]]> —a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body, especially bones
• ]]>Capsule endoscopy]]> —a wireless pill sized camera that you swallow
  • It takes pictures of the small intestine as it passes through your intestines.
• Blood tests
• Stool culture

Colonoscopy

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Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:

Prevention

Because IBD is often inherited, there are no known measures that can prevent getting the disease. To prevent flare-ups, it is important to maintain a healthy diet and reduce stress.