Understanding IBD
On the other hand, IBD encompasses chronic inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Unlike IBS, IBD involves inflammation and structural damage to the digestive system.
IBD can cause symptoms such as severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue. It can also lead to serious complications, including bowel obstruction, ulcers, and fistulas. Managing IBD typically requires medication, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgery.
The exact cause of IBD is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve an abnormal immune response to environmental triggers in genetically susceptible individuals. Diagnosis of IBD often requires endoscopic procedures and imaging studies to visualize the extent of inflammation and tissue damage within the digestive tract.
