IBD(Ulcerative Colitis & Crohn's Disease)

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) refers to a group of chronic inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, primarily including Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease. Both conditions involve an abnormal immune response that causes inflammation of the GI tract, but they affect different parts and layers of the gut.

Ulcerative Colitis (UC)

Affected Areas:

• UC is limited to the colon and rectum.
• The inflammation usually starts in the rectum and extends upwards in a continuous manner.
• Only the innermost lining of the colon is affected.

Symptoms:

• Diarrhea: Often with blood or pus.
• Abdominal Pain and Cramping: Usually in the lower left abdomen.
• Rectal Pain and Bleeding: Urgency to defecate, sometimes leading to an inability to do so despite the urge (tenesmus).
• Fatigue: Due to chronic inflammation and blood loss.
• Weight Loss: Resulting from reduced appetite and nutrient absorption.
• Fever: During active disease flare-ups.

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s Disease is a type of IBD that can affect any part of the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus, though it most commonly affects the end of the small intestine (the ileum) and the beginning of the colon.

Symptoms:

• Diarrhea: Often chronic and sometimes bloody.
• Abdominal Pain and Cramping: Often in the lower right abdomen.
• Fatigue: Due to chronic inflammation and nutrient malabsorption.
• Weight Loss: Due to malnutrition and loss of appetite.
• Fever: Especially during flare-ups.
• Mouth Sores: Ulcers in the mouth.
• Reduced Appetite: Leading to weight loss.
• Perianal Disease: Pain or drainage near or around the anus due to inflammation.