Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Basics

Key points

  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to a group of lifelong diseases affecting the intestines.
  • The main types of IBD are ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
  • IBD symptoms come and go. They can range from mild to severe.
  • Most people with IBD can control their symptoms and lead active lives.

More Information

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Overview

Physician holding hands out appearing to hold a holographic scan of intestines.
IBD includes separate diseases causing inflammation in the intestines.

IBD is a group of several diseases

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to a group of lifelong diseases affecting the intestines.

IBD occurs when the body's natural defense system mistakenly attacks healthy bowel cells. This causes inflammation (swelling) and other damage that does not go away on its own.

Types

The main types of IBD are ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Despite some similarities, each impacts different parts of the digestive tract in different ways. Click below to read more about each type.

A man outside holds hands on stomach with an illustration of bowels.
Ulcerative Colitis Basics
Learn the basics of ulcerative colitis (UC), a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
A young African American man sits on a sofa, holding his stomach from digestive pain.
Crohn's Disease Basics
Learn the basics of Chron's Disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Symptoms

IBD symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Common symptoms include:

  • Diarrhea or changes in bowel movements.
  • Stomach pain.
  • Fatigue.
  • Nausea.
  • Weight loss.

Symptoms come and go in waves.

  • "Remission" refers to periods when symptoms temporarily go away.
  • "Flare-ups" refer to periods of increased symptoms.

Complications

IBD can lead to health complications both inside the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and outside the GI tract (called "extraintestinal manifestations").

Complications inside the GI tract include:

  • Dehydration.
  • Not absorbing enough essential nutrients.
  • Increased risk of colon and rectal cancers.

Complications outside the GI tract include:

  • Low red blood cell count (anemia).
  • Reduced bone density.
  • Joint pain.
  • Skin changes.
  • Eye irritation.
  • Delayed or impaired growth in some children.

Mental and emotional well-being

IBD can impact a person's quality of life, increasing the risk of mental health challenges. These may include:

  • Depression.
  • Anxiety.
  • Feelings of distress or being overwhelmed.
  • Other mental disorders.

Medication and managing symptoms

Keeping up with medication is the best way to control IBD symptoms and flare-ups.

Common medications include:

  • Aminosalicylates: These help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. They are also called 5-aminosalicylic acids or 5-ASA.
  • Corticosteroids: These are strong anti-inflammatory steroids that work fast. They are given in large doses, then lowered, and eventually stopped.
  • Immunomodulators: These block the immune reaction that leads to inflammation. They are also called immunosuppressive agents.
  • Biologics: These block the immune system chemicals that trigger inflammation. They are made from living sources (like human, animal, or microorganism).
  • Surgery: This may be done to remove or widen the areas of the intestines that have been severely affected. It is typically considered after other treatments have failed.

Quality of life

Living a quality life‎

Most people with IBD lead active lives with long periods of remission.

The effects of IBD may seem intimidating, but the right treatment can control symptoms and allow people to get back to doing the things they love.

Click the link below to read more.

Healthy food surrounding chalk illustration of bowels.
Living with IBD
Learn about how to live well with IBD.

Similar conditions

Several conditions can be mistaken for IBD because they share some of the same symptoms. Examples include:

  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
  • Celiac disease.

However, these are entirely different conditions with different causes and treatments. Click below to read more.

An illustration of a young woman laying down, suffering with abdominal pain.
Commonly Mistaken Conditions
Describes conditions that are commonly misconceived to be the same disease as IBD.
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Content Source:
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
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  • Agrawal M, Spencer EA, Colombel JF, Ungaro RC. Approach to the management of recently diagnosed inflammatory bowel disease patients: A user's guide for adult and pediatric gastroenterologists. Gastroenterology. 2021;161(1):47–65. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2021.04.063
  • National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Ulcerative colitis. Accessed June 24, 2024. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/ulcerative-colitis
  • National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Crohn's disease. Accessed June 24, 2024. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/crohns-disease
  • Eugenicos MP, Ferreira NB. Psychological factors associated with inflammatory bowel disease. Br Med Bull. 2021;138(1):16–28. doi:10.1093/bmb/ldab010
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