What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to a group of inflammatory conditions of the digestive tract, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
IBD is a lifelong condition typically diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 30.
The causes of IBD are still unknown, but some contributing factors may include:
- genetics
- environmental influences
- impaired immune responses
General Symptoms of IBD
Symptoms associated with IBD may include:
- pain
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- weight loss
These symptoms can have a profound affect on a person’s quality of life, since they are often painful and socially undesirable.
Plus, the disease can strike at a young age, when people may be most sensitive to social stigma.