FAQs & IBD Facts

Q: What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

A: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a general term which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. These chronic gastrointestinal disorders are brought about by unknown causes.

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease restricted to the colon. Ulcers form in the inner lining, or mucosa, of the colon or rectum.

Crohn's Disease is an inflammation that extends into the deeper layers of the intestinal wall. This disorder can develop in any part of the gastrointestinal tract, though it is most often found in the ileum and the first part of the large intestine (cecum).

Q: What causes IBD?

A: Unfortunately, the actual cause of IBD remains mystery. Until a specific cause is determined, a cure cannot be found. Fortunately, by way of research, some things are becoming clearer.

Genetic Factors

• Up to 25% of IBD sufferers have family members with the disease.
• Recent studies seem to indicate that genetic abnormalities or both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease may share locations on chromosones 3, 7 and 12.

Immune System

• Some researchers believe that the disease develops because something (i.e., genetic susceptibility, virus or bacteria) triggers an abnormal, over reactive immune response.
• When intestinal inflammation occurs, the immune system seems to release white blood cells that produce damaging proteins. These proteins produce additional intestinal inflammation and damage which attracts more white blood cells.
• Thus, a vicious, destructive loop is created.

Diet

• IBD is more prevalent in industrialized countries, therefore, some experts believe environmental factors, such as diet may play some role.
• Unfortunately, various diet studies can be conflicting, confusing and unreliable.

Q: What are the symptoms of IBD?

A: Symptoms can be barely noticeable, mild, severe and even disabling. They can develop gradually or strike suddenly. Specific symptoms may include:

• Persistent diarrhea
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Blood passing through the rectum
• Fever
• Weight loss
• Joint, skin or eye irritations
• Delayed growth and retarded sexual maturation in children

Q: Who gets IBD?

A: An estimated one to two million Americans suffer from IBD, with there being a roughly equal incidence of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

• Each year, approximately 30,000 new cases are diagnosed.
• Males and females are equally susceptible.
• IBD is diagnosed most often between the ages of 15 and 40.
• A lesser peak onset period occurs between 50 and 80 years of age.
• About 2% of IBD cases appear in children below the age of 10.
• 30% occur in young people between the ages of 10 and 19.
• Jewish people of European descent have a risk of IBD 5 times that of the general population.
• The condition occurs more frequently in the United States, Western Europe, Canada, New Zealand and Australia than in other parts of the world.
• IBD appears to be more common among city than country dwellers.

Q: How serious is IBD?

A: Besides the personal suffering experienced during flare-ups, the long-term implications of IBD are worthy of note. Some of the conditions to be aware of include:

• Fistulas. Deep ulcers in Crohn's disease frequently result in the development of fistulas, channels that burrow between organs, loops of the intestine, or between the intestine and the skin. They often form pockets of infection or abscesses, which may become life threatening without treatment. Fistulas are rare in ulcerative colitis.
• Intestinal blockage. Inflammation from Crohn's disease can produce patches of scar tissue known as strictures. These can eventually constrict the passages of the intestines, causing bowel obstruction with severe cramps and vomiting.
• Cancer. Chronic ulcerative colitis increases the risk for colon cancer. In different studies, the risk has been estimated to be 5-10% after 10 years and 15-40% after 30 years. Patients with Crohn's disease of the colon have a similar risk for colon cancer.

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