Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory Bowel Disease OverviewThe 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's disease (CD). As the name suggests, ulcerative colitis is limited to the colon (large intestine). Although Crohn's 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's 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. Next: Inflammatory Bowel Disease Causes » Viewer Comments & ReviewsInflammatory Bowel Disease: Intestinal Problems - Describe Your ExperienceThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Ulcerative Colitis Overview
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an acute or chronic inflammation of the membrane lining the colon (the large intestine or bowel). Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and sores (ulcers), in the top layers of the lining of the large intestine. Ulcerative colitis rarely affects the small intestine except for the lower section, called the ileum.
The inflammation makes the colon empty frequently, causing diarrhea. Ulcers form in places where the inflammation has killed the cells linking the colon. The ulcers bleed and produce pus and mucus.
Symptoms of ulcerative colitis include abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, the recurrent urge to have a bowel movement (tenesmus), lack of appetite, fever, and fatigue.
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloody bowel movements are the hallmark of the disease.
Ulcerative colitis is one of the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), the other is Crohn'...
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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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