Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) 

The chronic inflammation of all or part of your digestive tract. An abnormal response by your body's immune system.

IBD primarily includes: Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease

Ulcerative Colitis

• Causes long lasting inflammation in part of your digestive tract
• Symptoms usually develop over time instead of suddenly
• Usually affects only innermost lining of large intestine(colon) and rectum

Crohn's Disease

• Causes inflammation anywhere along the lining of your digestive tract and spreads deep into affected tissue
• Can have abdominal pain and severe diarrhea
• Can involve different areas of the digestive tract

Risk Factors

• Age - usually occurs before the age of 30, but can occur at any age
• Ethnicity - Whites are at a higher risk
• Family history - higher risk if a close relative has the disease
• Smoking - Can increase severity of symptoms and increase risk of complications
• Where you live - Urban areas or industrialized countries are at higher risk

Signs & Symptoms

Ulcerative Colitis

• Rectal bleeding
• Rectal pain
• Urgent, frequent, small bowel movements
• Bloody diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps/pain
• Unintended weight loss
• Fatigue 

Crohn's Disease

• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps/pain
• Blood in your stool
• Reduced appetite
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Fatigue
• May have ulcers(small sores) in mouth similar to canker sores

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