What is IBD?
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is an umbrella term used to describe a group of chronic gastrointestinal disorders that involve inflammation of the digestive tract. The two most common types of IBD are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, both of which cause long-term inflammation but differ in the areas affected and their symptoms.
What Causes IBD?
While the exact cause of IBD remains unclear, it is generally believed to result from a mix of genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and an abnormal immune response. These factors contribute to the immune system attacking the body's own tissues in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, leading to inflammation, ulceration, or even serious damage.
Symptoms of IBD
The symptoms of IBD vary depending on the type of disease, and they can range from mild to severe. For both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, common symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue. Where they differ lie in their location and the nature of the inflammation.
Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus, but it most commonly affects the small intestine and the colon. It is characterised by patchy inflammation that can extend through the entire thickness of the bowel wall. Symptoms of Crohn’s disease may include:
- Chronic diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Weight loss
- Blood in the stool
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Mouth ulcers
Ulcerative Colitis
In contrast, ulcerative colitis only affects the colon and the rectum, causing continuous inflammation in a uniform pattern along the affected portion of the bowel. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis may include:
- Abdominal cramping and bloating
- Frequent, urgent diarrhea, often with blood or pus
- Weight loss
- Anaemia
- Fatigue
- Rectal bleeding
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Loss of appetite
Both conditions are chronic, with periods of flare-ups and remissions, making the disease progression difficult to predict. However, with early diagnosis and treatment, one can alleviate symptoms, prevent complications, and improve their quality of life.
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