Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Common ConditionChronic inflammation of the digestive tract including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, requiring long-term management.
Related specialists:Gastroenterologist
Symptoms
Diarrhea (often bloody)
Abdominal pain and cramping
Fatigue
Unintended weight loss
Reduced appetite
Fever
Urgency to defecate
Rectal bleeding
Joint pain (extra-intestinal)
Skin problems (extra-intestinal)
Causes
1
Immune system malfunction2
Genetics3
Environmental factors4
Smoking (Crohn's)5
Diet (Western diet)6
Stress (triggers flares)7
Previous infections8
Gut microbiome changes9
Age (often diagnosed 15-35)10
Family historyTreatments
Anti-inflammatory drugs (5-ASA)
Corticosteroids
Immunomodulators
Biologics (TNF inhibitors)
Small molecule drugs
Antibiotics
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor for persistent diarrhea, bloody stools, abdominal pain, or unintended weight loss. Established patients should contact their doctor for flare symptoms.
Find a Specialist NowAbout Inflammatory Bowel Disease
IBD: Living with Chronic Inflammation
IBD includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis—both require lifelong management. Treatment advances including biologics have dramatically improved quality of life for many patients.
"Ang IBD ay panghabambuhay na kondisyon—pero may treatment na nakakatulong."
Specialists Who Commonly Treat Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Based on related specialties