Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to two different chronic conditions or diseases that may be related: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Both diseases consist of inflammation of the wall of the bowel or intestines – hence the name – leading to bowel that is inflamed, swollen and that develops ulcers. The inflammation and its consequences are different in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The inflammation results in various degrees of abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and intestinal bleeding. Both diseases can result in serious digestive problems.