Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is characterized by chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. It most commonly affects the small intestine and the upper part of the large intestine. Individuals with IBD may have times of active disease (a flare) when symptoms and bowel inflammation are present. They may also have times of remission when little or no symptoms are present. IBD is an umbrella term for two autoimmune diseases:
- Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the large intestine (colon and rectum).
- Crohn’s Disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect the GI tract at ANY POINT, from mouth to anus.
What causes IBD?
The exact cause of IBD is unknown, but a combination of certain factors appears to play a role including:
- Inherited genetic risk
- Environmental risk factors
- Imbalance or changes in the gut microbiome
- An inappropriate reaction from the immune system
What are symptoms of IBD?
- Bloody diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Unintentional weight loss
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Poor appetite
- Joint pain or eye pain with brightness
What’s the difference between Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease?
Location:
- Crohn’s: affects any part of GI tract, from mouth to anus.
- UC: only affects the large intestine (colon and rectum)
Tissue impact:
- Crohn’s: inflammation is present within all layers of the bowel wall.
- UC: inflammation is limited to the innermost layer.
Lesion pattern:
- Crohn’s: characterized by patchy lesions (there are areas of healthy tissue between inflamed areas)
- UC: characterized by continuous lesions and inflammation.
Is IBD the same as IBS?
While the names and symptoms are similar, IBS and IBD are two separate conditions. Intestinal inflammation caused by IBD can be seen on diagnostic imaging (endoscopy/colonoscopy). In IBS there is no sign of disease or abnormalities when a scope is performed. Both conditions can cause abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits. However, anemia, bloody stools, weight loss, and joint pain are common with IBD and not typically seen in IBS. It is important to get an accurate diagnosis so you can properly manage your condition.
Interested in getting to the root cause of your GI concerns? Learn more about our testing options and make an appointment with one of our registered dietitians today.
We hope you enjoyed this blog post “What is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?” Let us know what you found helpful in the comments below.
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