Irritable Bowel Disease and Management
Irritable bowel disease (IBD) is a group of disorders that cause chronic inflammation (pain and swelling) in the intestines. IBD includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Both types affect the digestive system. Treatments can help manage this lifelong condition.
What are the types of IBD?
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the main types of IBD. Types include:
Crohn’s disease: causes pain and swelling in the digestive tract. It can affect any part from the mouth to the anus. It most commonly affects the small intestine and upper part of the large intestine.
Ulcerative colitis: causes swelling and sores (ulcers) in the large intestine (colon and rectum).
Microscopic colitis: causes intestinal inflammation that’s only detectable with a microscope.