Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Overview
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Causes
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Symptoms
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease Overview
The term inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) covers a group of disorders in which the intestines become inflamed (red and swollen), probably as a result of an immune reaction of the body against its own intestinal tissue.
Two major types of IBD are described: ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn disease (CD). As the name suggests, ulcerative colitis is limited to the colon (large intestine). Although Crohn disease can involve any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus, it most commonly affects the small intestine and/or the colon.
Both ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease usually run a waxing and waning course in the intensity and severity of illness. When there is severe inflammation, the disease is considered to be in an active stage, and the person experiences a flare-up of the condition. When the degree of inflammation is less (or absent), the person usually is without symptoms, and the disease is considered to be in remission.
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Intestinal Problems - Describe Your Experience
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Overview
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder of unknown cause. Common symptoms include abdominal cramping or pain, bloating and gassiness, and altered bowel habits. Irritable bowel syndrome has been called spastic colon, functional bowel disease, and mucous colitis. However, IBS is not a true "colitis." The term colitis refers to a separate condition known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Irritable bowel syndrome is not contagious, inherited, or cancerous. However, IBS often disrupts daily living activities. Nineteen percent of respondents in a survey of married or cohabiting people with IBS stated that they had difficulties in their personal relationships, and 45% stated that IBS interfered with their sex life.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Causes
The cause of irritable bowel syndrome is currently unknown. IBS is thought to result from an interplay of abnormal gastrointestina...
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease »
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an idiopathic disease, probably involving an immune reaction of the body to its own intestinal tract.
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