What is inflammatory bowel disease?
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic conditions that cause inflammation in your digestive tract. This ongoing inflammation can lead to symptoms like belly pain, diarrhea, fatigue and weight loss. IBD is different from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which does not cause inflammation or damage to the digestive system.
The two main types of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis:
- Crohn’s disease can affect any part of your digestive tract, from your mouth to your anus. It often causes patches of inflammation that can extend through multiple layers of the bowel wall.
- Ulcerative colitis primarily affects the colon and rectum. It causes continuous inflammation and sores or ulcers in the innermost lining of the large intestine.
IBD is a lifelong condition with no cure. But treatments can help manage symptoms and allow you to live a full life.
Inflammatory bowel disease symptoms
Inflammatory bowel disease can cause a range of symptoms that may come and go over time. Many people experience “flares,” when symptoms get worse, followed by periods of remission when they improve or go away.
Your symptoms may vary based on the type of IBD you have and how much of your digestive tract is affected.
Common symptoms of IBD include:
- Stomach pain or cramping
- Diarrhea
- Urgent need to go
- Rectal bleeding
- Tiredness
- Unintended weight loss
- Fever
In kids and teens, IBD can also affect growth and development.
Some people with IBD may also notice symptoms outside their digestive system, such as:
- Pain or swelling in the joints
- Skin rashes or bumps
- Eye redness or discomfort
- Sores in the mouth
When to see a doctor
If you’re having ongoing digestive issues that disrupt your daily life, it’s important to talk with your primary care doctor or a gastroenterologist. Inflammatory bowel disease symptoms can be similar to other conditions, so getting the right diagnosis is key to finding relief and avoiding complications.
Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce flares, protect your long-term health and improve your quality of life. Start by seeing a primary care provider, who can refer you to a digestive health specialist if needed.
If you’ve already been diagnosed with IBD and notice changes in your symptoms or new signs, let your doctor know. This could mean your condition is flaring or that your treatment plan needs to be adjusted.
Inflammatory bowel disease risk factors
Risk factors for inflammatory bowel disease include:
- Age: IBD can occur at any age. It often gets diagnosed in a person’s late teens and 20s, but about 25% of people with IBD develop it by their teens, and another 10% to 15% develop it after age 60.
- Family history: Having a parent, brother or sister with IBD can increase your risk
- Sex: Women have a slightly higher risk of developing Crohn’s disease, but both sexes are at equal risk for ulcerative colitis.
- Tobacco use: Crohn’s disease is strongly linked to tobacco use.
