Inflammatory bowel disease - The basics - Its not only ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease - 1
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is characterized by recurring inflammation in the digestive system, leading to various symptoms and potential complications. The two main types of IBD are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. However, inflammatory bowel disease also includes microscopic colitis, indeterminate colitis, and IBD with known etiology such as drug-induced colitis, radiation colitis, and diversion colitis. ALl these basic points, natural history and nature of disease are explained in this video.
Crohn's disease: This type of IBD can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus. However, it most commonly affects the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine. The inflammation in Crohn's disease is typically patchy and can penetrate deep into the layers of the bowel wall. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, and occasionally, rectal bleeding.
Ulcerative colitis: This form of IBD primarily affects the colon (large intestine) and the rectum. The inflammation in ulcerative colitis is continuous and typically starts from the rectum and progresses upward through the colon. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, urgency to have a bowel movement, rectal bleeding, and an increased frequency of bowel movements.
Both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, as well as an abnormal immune response. While the exact cause is unknown, factors such as a family history of IBD, abnormal immune system responses, environmental triggers, and a dysbiosis of gut bacteria are believed to contribute to the development of the conditions.