(also referred to as ...)
IBD, Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Universal Ulcerative Colitis
Description
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, concerns serious inflammations of the bowel and should not be confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBD can be divided into two distinct groups: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease is characterized by a chronic inflammation that can occur anywhere along the intestinal tract, from the mouth to the rectum. It is seen most frequently in the lower intestinal tract, the ileum (ileitis), or the ileum and colon (ileo colitis). The healing of the intestinal tract leads to scaring that narrows the passageway. Crohn's disease typically begins between the ages of thirteen to forty, while more and more cases are being reported amongst younger children. It is estimated that for every 100,000 people, anywhere from 20 to 40 individuals suffer from Crohn's disease.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis can attack any or all parts of the large bowel or colon. Cases can range from relatively mild to severe. It is a chronic disorder in which the mucous membranes lining the colon become inflamed and develop ulcers, leading to several aggravations. If the whole colon is involved, the disease is called universal ulcerative colitis. Occurrences of ulcerative colitis are slightly higher than Crohn's disease: for every 100,000 people, approximately 70 to 150 individuals suffer from the disease.
