Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a group of chronic gastrointestinal disorders characterized by persistent intestinal inflammation. The main types of IBD are Crohn’s disease (affecting any part of the digestive tract) and ulcerative colitis (limited to the colon and rectum). Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and rectal bleeding. IBD arises from a dysregulated immune response to gut microbiota, genetic predisposition, and environmental factors. Chronic inflammation leads to mucosal damage, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and systemic complications like arthritis or skin lesions. Diagnosis involves endoscopy, imaging, and biopsies while treatment strategies center around reducing inflammation with immunosuppressants, biologics (e.g., anti-TNF agents), and lifestyle adjustments.
