Why is it in the News?

The rising incidence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) across the globe has become a concern for doctors, while early diagnosis is lacking, diagnosis in itself is challenging considering that other conditions could mimic IBD.

What is IBD?

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a recurring and long-term (chronic) condition that affects the digestive tract.
• IBD causes inflammation of the stomach, small intestine, and colon.
• IBD is a progressive disease that can become worse over time and cause other damage if not properly diagnosed and treated.
• There are two types of IBD: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
  • Crohn’s disease: leads to inflammation anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract, however, it commonly affects the end of the small intestine (the ileum) and the beginning of the large intestine (the right colon).
    • Crohn’s disease can also affect the entire thickness or alternating areas of the bowel wall.
  • Ulcerative colitis: causes inflammation in the large intestine or colon.
    • This form of IBD inflames the innermost lining of the colon and creates tiny open sores (ulcers).

What causes IBD?

• The exact cause of IBD is unknown, but IBD is the result of a weakened immune system. Possible causes are:
• The immune system responds incorrectly to environmental triggers, such as a virus or bacteria, which causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
• There also appears to be a genetic component.
  • Someone with a family history of IBD is more likely to develop this inappropriate immune response.

Symptoms of IBD:

• Although Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are different conditions, IBD conditions have similar symptoms, such as:
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Vomiting
  • Weight loss

How Is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Treated?

• While there is no curative treatment for IBD, it is managed through medication, dietary changes, and occasionally surgery.
• The treatment aims to alleviate symptoms, mitigate complications, prevent future flare-ups, and potentially promote the healing of inflamed intestines.