Ailments and Situations - Inflammatory Bowel Disease - Causes

Although many theories about the origins of IBD have been presented, the causes of both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are unknown. Some theories suggest that certain people have a genetic predisposition to IBD. IBD is two to four times more likely to occur in Caucasians than in non-Caucasians, and four times more common in Jews than in non-Jews. As well, in fifteen to forty percent of all cases, multiple family members suffer from Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. The search for genetic markers of IBD, as of yet, has been unsuccessful.

Many microorganisms, such as rotavirus, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and mycobacteria have been identified as potential causes of IBD (although this is quite a debated topic). Antibiotic exposure is also being linked to Crohn's disease, as prior to the 1950s, the disease was only found in isolated groups and had a strong genetic component. The increase in antibiotic use over the decades parallels the growth in the number of cases of Crohn's disease. In fact, incidences of Crohn's disease are very high in people who are treated early, and often, with antibiotics. This may be the result of antibiotics that are not strong enough to kill the target organism. In such cases, the organisms can respond by growing in number and in strength -- increasing the chances of toxicity within the intestines.

Dietary factors and food allergies are also possible causes of IBD. Food is a major determinant in the intestinal environment. Incidences of Crohn's disease are higher in those who consume a Western diet: high in saturated fats, refined carbohydrates, and sugar. Studies show that food allergies may play an important role in the development of IBD.

Although a direct link has not been found, Crohn's disease patients tend to be heavier smokers than people without the disorder. Stress has also been linked to IBD.