WHAT IS IT? WHAT CAUSES IT? WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT?

What is IBD?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a term used to describe chronic inflammation of the

gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The two main types of IBD are:

• Crohn’s Disease: Can affect any part of the GI tract from mouth to anus, often in patches, and

may involve all layers of the bowel wall.

• Ulcerative Colitis: Affects only the colon (large intestine) and rectum, usually in a continuous

stretch, and involves only the innermost lining.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of IBD is unknown, but it is believed to involve an abnormal immune response

triggered by environmental factors in genetically predisposed individuals.

Risk factors include:

• Family history of IBD

• Age (most diagnosed before age 35)

• Ethnicity (higher in people of European and Ashkenazi Jewish descent)

• Smoking (particularly for Crohn’s)

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

• Diet and environmental factors

Symptoms

Symptoms vary based on the type and severity of disease. Common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain and cramping

• Chronic diarrhea (sometimes bloody)

• Weight loss

• Fatigue

• Urgent bowel movements

• Fever

• Reduced appetite G th d l i hild ( i C h ’ )pp

• Growth delays in children (more common in Crohn’s)

Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves a combination of:

• Medical history and physical exam

• Laboratory tests: Blood and stool tests to detect inflammation or infection

• Imaging: CT, MRI, or small bowel follow-through

• Endoscopy/Colonoscopy: Direct visualization and biopsy of affected areas

Treatment Options

There is no cure for IBD, but treatment aims to reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms, and prevent

complications.

• Medications:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., aminosalicylates)

• Corticosteroids for flare-ups

• Immunosuppressants (e.g., azathioprine, methotrexate)

• Biologics (e.g., anti-TNF agents like infliximab)

• JAK inhibitors or other targeted therapies

• Lifestyle and diet:

• Nutritional support and avoiding trigger foods

• Stress management

• Surgery:

• Sometimes necessary for severe disease or complications (e.g., bowel obstruction, fistulas)

• Colectomy can be curative in ulcerative colitis

Complications

• Intestinal strictures or obstructions

• Fistulas and abscesses (Crohn’s)

• Colorectal cancer

• Malnutrition

• Extra-intestinal issues (arthritis, eye inflammation, skin conditions)

Note: If you experience ongoing digestive symptoms, consult

a healthcare provider for evaluation and potential testing for

IBD.