An Overview of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents a group of intestinal diseases that cause prolonged inflammation of the digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are two main types of IBD. Both usually involve severe diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. The exact cause of inflammatory bowel disease remains unknown. People who have a parent, sibling or child with IBD are at a much higher risk for developing it themselves. Chronic inflammation can lead to ulcers anywhere in the digestive tract, including the mouth and anus and in the genital area (perineum). IBD treatment usually involves either drug therapy or surgery. IBD can cause some discomfort, but there are ways an individual can manage the disease and still live a healthy, active lifestyle.