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Inflammatory Bowel Disease

(IBD; Regional Enteritis; Ileitis; Granulomatous Ileocolitis; Ulcerative Colitis)

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

Home | Health Information Center | Disease, Condition, & Injury Fact Sheets | Article

Definition

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is swelling and irritation of the intestines (bowel). Two forms of IBD are:

IBD is a lifelong illness.

Causes

The exact cause is not known. It is the result of a problem with the immune system. Genetics may also play a role.

Risk Factors

Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:

Having a family member with IBD
Having problems with the immune system

Symptoms

Symptoms may happen all the time or they may come and go. Symptoms depend on the type of IBD, but common problems are:

Belly pain and cramping
Belly sounds such as gurgling
Bloating or feeling of fullness
Gas
Loose stools
Blood in stools
Nausea and vomiting
Joint pain
Weight loss and lack of hunger
Swelling of the rectum
Draining around the rectum

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. Blood and stool tests may also be done.

Images may need to be taken. This can be done with:

A colonoscopy may be done. A long, flexible tube will be inserted through the rectum to inspect the intestines.

Colonoscopy

Treatment

There is no cure. The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms. Choices are:

Dietary Changes

Dietary changes may include switching to a diet that is:

Low in fat
Rich in fruits and vegetables
Low in fiber and dairy products

Medications

Medicines may be given, such as:

Pain relievers
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Corticosteroids to ease swelling
Immune system suppressors
Antibiotics to kill germs in the intestinal tract
Anti-diarrheal medicine
Laxatives to help stool pass more easily

Surgery

Surgery is not helpful for all types of IBD. People with severe ulcerative colitis may need surgery to remove the colon.

Prevention

There are no current guidelines to prevent this health problem.

RESOURCES:

Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
https://www.familydoctor.org

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
https://www.niddk.nih.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

College of Family Physicians of Canada
http://www.cfpc.ca

Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca

References:

Crohn disease in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/crohn-disease-in-adults. Accessed February 10, 2021.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/ibd. Accessed February 10, 2021.

Lichtenstein GR, Loftus EV, et al. ACG Clinical Guideline: Management of Crohn's Disease in Adults. Am J Gastroenterol. 2018 Apr;113(4):481-517.

Ulcerative colitis in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/ulcerative-colitis-in-adults. Accessed February 10, 2021.

Last reviewed December 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board James P. Cornell, MD
Last Updated: 2/10/2021

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