1. Definition
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic disorder in which the lining of the intestines become inflamed, causing symptoms such as diarrhea, severe or chronic pain in the abdomen, weight loss, loss of appetite and rectal bleeding. The symptoms can range from mild to severe, and may come and go in episodes (flare ups).
IBD is thought to be an autoimmune disease, caused by the abnormal behavior of the immune system. The body mistakes its own tissues, or in this case, the native bacteria in the gut environment, to be foreign substances and launch attacks against these bacteria. IBD can cause a big impact on a patient’s quality of life and can sometimes lead to life-threatening conditions.
There are two types of IBD:
– Ulcerative colitis, a condition that causes inflammation at the top lining of the large intestine (colon). The disease causes swelling and tiny ulcers to form on the surface of the lining, excreting pus and blood. In severe cases, a hole can be formed and the content of the intestine can leak into the bloodstream. This is a medical emergency.
– Crohn’s disease can affect all layers of the intestinal wall. In Crohn’s disease, the inflammation can often spread deep into the affected tissue. It can occur in virtually all area of the digestive system and cause thickening of the intestinal wall, slow down the food travel passage. As with ulcerative colitis, holes can be formed; and in extreme cases, fistula (tunnels caused by the holes) connecting different organs can be formed.
2. Epidemiology
Cases of IBD are being increased worldwide. In the US, approximately 1.6 million people are diagnosed with the condition and more than 70,000 new cases are reported each year.
IBD can affect people of all ages, it is most frequently reported between age of 15 and 35. In general, men are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with IBD than women. Although people of Caucasian descendant are more likely to develop the condition, all racial and ethnic groups can be affected by IBD. However, population data for minority groups are currently limited.
3. Causes and risk factors
The cause of IBD is still currently unknown. Stress and diet were previously suspected, but now healthcare professionals are looking at immune system malfunction as the primary culprit.
Several factors can increase the risk of getting IBD such as:
– Age: IBD incidences increase with age.
– Ethnicity
– Family history: risk of IBD increase when a close relative suffers from the same condition.
– Smoking
– Geolocation: people from urban area and industrialized countries have an increased risk of IBD.
Sources
http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/inflammatory-bowel-disease.html#a