WHAT is INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE???
IBD or inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic condition that can affect any area in the gastro-intestinal system. The digestive track includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine (which includes the duodenum, jejunum and ileum), large intestine (or colon) and rectum. (**picture**)
IBD causes inflammation and irritation in your gut. This inflammation is responsible for the majority of the symptoms you experience when you’re not feeling well. The swelling can lead to thickening of the intestines which makes it difficult for food to pass normally. The inflammation can also lead to tiny ulcers (open sores) which cause bleeding and pain.
The main types of inflammatory bowel disease are Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and proctitis .
Can IBD really affect ANY part of my digestive track?
While Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive track from the mouth to the anus, it most often affects the area of the small intestine called the ileum. The ileum is the last part of the small intestine and, like the rest of the large and small intestine, is composed of three layers of tissue. When Crohn’s Disease “flares,” it affects all three layers. (**picture**)
Ulcerative Colitis only affects the large intestine . Likewise, UC can be cured by removing the entire colon. Inflammation begins at the rectum and spreads upward through the large intestine. When UC “flares,” it affects only the inside layer of tissue in the gut.
Ulcerative Proctitis is limited to the last section of the colon, called the rectum.
Will IBD ever go away?
Although Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic disease, the symptoms are not constant. Most patients will experience prolonged times when the disease is quiet and they have no symptoms. Alternatively, there will be times when the disease “flares up ,” causing symptoms. This often happens during times of stress, such as going away to college or other major life events, but can happen at any time and for no reason.