Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Definition

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a group of disorders that cause chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, primarily affecting the intestines.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Inflammatory Bowel Disease is an umbrella term that encompasses chronic autoimmune conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, characterized by persistent inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. These conditions can lead to severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss.

Benefits

• Understanding and managing IBD can improve quality of life.
• Effective treatment can lead to long-term remission and minimize complications.

Examples

• Crohn's Disease
• Ulcerative Colitis

Additional Information

• Known issues: Individuals with IBD may experience malnutrition due to impaired nutrient absorption and dietary restrictions.

Related Terms

• Crohn's Disease

References

• The pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease: PLOS Pathogens
• Inflammatory bowel diseases: from pathogenesis to treatment: Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology