Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease, also known as IBD, is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the bowels and digestive track. When the body’s immune system attacks the digestive track it allows for more exposure to antigens and toxins, making the development of IBD likely. There are two types of IBD—ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s Disease. IBD is a cyclical condition with times of pronounced symptoms followed by times of diminished symptoms and minimal inflammation. Those with family who suffer from IBD have a higher likelihood of developing it, which indicates a genetic link or predisposition to the disease. Stress, while not thought to be a direct cause of the disorder, can aggravate or trigger the disease.

Symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

During active periods of IBD, symptoms of IBS include abdominal cramps, diarrhea-sometimes with blood in the stool, fatigue, anemia, bowel urgency, pain, joint inflammation, mild fever, dehydration, and in severe cases weight loss. Some experience vomiting as well.

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