Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a collection of chronic conditions, which result from inflammation of tissue in the intestine and, sometimes, throughout the digestive system.
At the UPMC Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, we develop individualized treatment plans to help you cope with your condition.
IBD Conditions and Treatments
- Crohn's disease: A type of IBD that can cause inflammation throughout the GI tract, primarily in the intestines. We treat with medications to relieve symptoms and reduce inflammation, or with surgery — when needed — to remove the damaged portions of the intestine.
- Ulcerative colitis: A type of IBD that causes inflammation of the inner lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. Our treatment focuses on reducing the inflammation and relieving the symptoms through medications or surgery.
- Celiac disease: A related autoimmune disorder that inhibits the body's absorption of gluten — a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. We provide personalized treatment support, which includes adoption of a gluten-free diet and specialized nutritional counseling.
- Microscopic colitis: This can encompass lymphocytic colitis and collagenous colitis, which are diseases where the colonic lining appears normal, but inflammation is seen under the microscope. These conditions cause significant diarrhea and weight loss.
Learn More About IBD
View a PDF or visit our Health Library for details on the following conditions (links will open a new browser window):
