What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Crohn’s & Ulcerative Colitis

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is an autoimmune disease that affects your gastrointestinal tract and includes ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease. In IBD, inflammation of sections of your gastrointestinal tract cause by your own immune response leads to tissue damage and the development of painful lesions.  IBD is believed to be a consequence of your body’s immune system attacking self and resulting in an inappropriate inflammatory response.  Genetics play a role but so do certain lifestyle factors.   All layers of the intestine can be inflamed.

In Crohn’s disease the ileum which is the final section of the small intestine, and the colon (large intestine) are typically involved however it can involve any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Ulcerative colitis, on the other hand, involves the colon only. Signs and symptoms of IBD especially in a flare include diarrhoea and urgency, bleeding, mucus, weight loss, low appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and even fever. Ulcerative colitis can sometimes also present with constipation.