Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is swelling and irritation of the intestines. Two forms of IBD are:
IBD is a lifelong illness.
The exact cause of IBD is not known. Some believe IBD may be the result of:
IBD is more common in people who are Caucasian or of northern European or Jewish ancestry.
The following factors increase your chance of developing IBD:
Symptoms may be constant or occur during flare-ups. Symptoms depend on the type of IBD, but common symptoms may include:
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Images of your bodily structures may be needed. This can be done with:
Your bodily fluids and waste products may be tested. This can be done with:
There is no cure for IBD but treatments can help control symptoms. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:
IBD symptoms may be reduced with simple dietary changes. Dietary changes may include switching to a diet that is:
Overall wellness may also play a role in reducing IBD flare-ups. Find ways to reduce stress. Get plenty of rest.
Most medications for IBD focus on reducing the swelling and irritation. Medications include:
Surgery is not helpful for all types of IBD. For people with severe ulcerative colitis, a surgery to remove the colon may be done.
There are no current guidelines to prevent IBD because the cause is unknown.
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Health Canada
The College of Family Physicians of Canada
Botoman VA, Bonner GF, Botoman DA. Management of inflammatory bowel disease. Am Fam Physician. 1998;57(1):57-68.
Crohn disease in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114217/Croh...isease-in-adults. Updated September 12, 2017. Accessed October 3, 2017.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:https://www.cdc.gov/ibd/. Updated March 14, 2017. Accessed October 3, 2017.
Ulcerative colitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114507...cerative-colitis. Updated July 28, 2017. Accessed October 3, 2017.
Last reviewed September 2017 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Daus Mahnke, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.