Overview
IBD refers to chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, mainly Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.
Symptoms
• Chronic diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Blood in stool (more common in UC)
• Weight loss
• Urgency
• Malabsorption
Causes
Immune system overactivity, genetics, microbiome imbalance, and environmental triggers.
Diagnosis
Endoscopy, colonoscopy, imaging, biopsies, and lab tests.
Treatment
• Anti-inflammatory therapy
• Steroids
• Immunomodulators
• Biologics
• Diet modifications
• Surgery for complications
Self-Management
Tracking meal patterns, stress, hydration, and symptom cycles helps identify flare triggers. Lifestyle changes like sleep improvement and stress reduction support long-term control.